Aloha e everyone and welcome to our March 2004 Nani Notes. Exciting times ahead, can you feel it in the air? I love spring! The warmth of the earth sparks the beginning of new life. Clouds dance softly across the sky and those with imagination can look up and make great pictures out of the clouds. Spring is a time of majestic newness when we observe the birth of new animals, the wonderful hues of greens and browns and the melodious whisper of natures many creatures playing their symphony with the same enchantment of our own human symphony. It is time to cast off the gloom of winters darkness and embrace the sun. Ah my friends, magic is in the air. I invite you to share in this exciting energy of hope. It is a good day to thank Creator God for these abundant gifts of life.

We have many wonderful guest writers climbing on board to tickle your imagination, provoke thought and share their sage wisdom with you. This is your newsletter. Keep what you need and discard the rest.

Enjoy,
Nani

For Maggie John respected Tlingit Medicine woman and my Tlingit Mother Eagle, Raven, Owl, Bear and Wolf occupy special places in our home. They are symbols of courage, strength and tenacity. Those of you who have read Trial by Fire or heard me speak know that White Raven is the name given to me by Maggie John in 1978 when she adopted me into her family. It is an honor to be a part of her Tlingit family, to carry this sacred name and with it, heavy responsibilities. My definite purpose in life is to uplift the lives of all Native American children and people because they are worthy and it is their turn. If you wish to kokua, call or email me. If you want to lend your spirit to ours, we accept. It is an honor, to be of service for the greater good. Contact info: www.universityoflife.info or nani@universityoflife.info

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Did you know it is still politically okay to Indian bash? It is still okay to threaten, remove, force to take add/adhd drugs and put in padded rooms and tiny cubicles, little American Indian children. Folks still get away with abusing our Indian Children. Staggering truth! Maggie John saw the potential in not lowering the bar of expectation and taking positive strategies to Reservation Schools for the benefit of the children. For the benefit of Indian children I invite you to share your results oriented positive attitudes & talents. I don't want to study the problems, cast blame or doubt on others. My intent is to begin the process to fix the problem. NOW! This is a call for results not events. Hooponopono! Call me, email me and tell me what your talent is and what you can do. Want to take my training? Great, I am teaching Be a Star/Cross Cultural Leadership in many venues. Call& enroll. Some may ask, "Why?" We say," why not? " Some may ask," why me?" I say, "why not me?" Some may say,"not yet", to you I say, "over 200 years of broken promises is 199+ years too many of waiting. If not now, then when?" Raven's voice is about solutions; I have seen through the eyes of Maggie John and heard the weeping of children. I invite you to join us. It is my honor to walk this journey of "Hope and Light" with all Indian People. Aloha e Maggie John, it is I, White Raven ready to stand and do Creators will. Awake from your slumber Wadopana and Wa Apana Canoe Paddlers. Awaken the power within! Come, take my hand we will walk together and as the circle grows our collective strength of knowing what has always been, will bring us to the table of life and our beginning. Come, no one is to be left behind.

Nanipuaaalaomaililaulii - White Raven

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Point of Action: There is power in truth! Therefore I share with you a wonderful prayer that I say daily. "I am whole perfect, strong, powerful, loving, harmonious & happy!" That's it. The secret! When you say these include your friends and family and with your "pure intent" your blessing shared brings gifts of abundance in health, harmony and leaving no one behind. This affirms to creator God you know how he sees you! It feeds to your inner self the nourishment of positive healing to and for your being. If you are science oriented I say to you, feed your subconscious. Say it often but dusk, dawn and aloha au moe (before sleep) are the best moments.

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Kind words from fellow readers on February 2004 issue:

Hi Nani! Great newsletter. I really enjoy it. I loved Burt Dubin's guest column. I share his philosophy and its how I try to live my life as well. It's always wonderful to have those ideals reinforced by the lives and work of others. It gives me hope for the world. Christine STAR!

I just finished reading the February newsletter, and it was very insightful. I enjoyed the article by Burt Dubin-he is very articulate and wise, and his words made me want to give more attention to meditation, tenacity, and serving our wonderful creator.

The question you posed was pertaining to the public's responsibility for determining if things are true or rumors. I would say that the public does have a responsibility to be well informed, and check out their sources of information before believing it as truth. What happened in London is truly a tragedy, and everyone-journalists, news reporters, people in power and the common public-needs to be sure to accurately represent them and actively research the sources of their information. It is unfortunate that in most peoples' day to day lives, there are rumors and false accusations made, and if everyone would commit themselves to truth and honesty, the whole world would be a much safer and much kinder place.

Thank you so much for making me think each month-I look forward to getting your newsletters and it makes me sit back and reflect on myself and my personal values and goals. Amanda P. Helena, Montana

Amen Burt, your words have power my friend. Nani Linder

And your words Nani, have a unique energy that reaches the soul.
Aloha, Burt

Just read Nani Notes for this month...Burt's article brings home the "bacon" for me...Practicing the meditation with the connection to divine essence... loosing the tenacity of the bulldog within...QUITING IS NOT AN OPTION! To make wherever I am a better place for all with whom I am blessed to be in company... body, mind, and spirit! What can I say...keep the hope- fires burning!
Leilani in Colorado

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Point to Ponder

It is the VETERAN, not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.

It's the VETERAN, not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the VETERAN, not the politician,
Who has given us the right to vote.

It is the VETERAN,
who salutes the Flag,
who serves under the Flag.

Author is unknown to me but I thank him/her for these thought provoking words ~ Nani

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February Spirit Of Hope Recognition The Many Military Wives and families who wait at home and Mrs. Laura Bush, first lady of the United States of America who represents all Military families and women of this great American Nation. Mrs. Bush represents the tower of strength, pillar of hope that radiates America. She is the trusted friend of the most powerful man in the world, mother, wife, daughter, role model to millions of women around the world. For her courage during 9/11, for her steadfast loyalty, for the days and nights she and all military wives pace the floor, the times they send their husbands off to foreign soil when they know his/her life is in peril.

For sacrificing normal family life, for the many tears they silently shed and will continue to shed, for bearing the innuendos, mis-quotes, nasty tongues. For Mrs. Bush's quiet grace, dignity, integrity and tenacious ability to create an aura of harmony in the face of daily danger, for our nation. Americans do not make it easy to be the first family, or military families. Our news media tell the enemy what we are doing, and we are often impatient & ungrateful. Some have forgotten that the terrorists caused 9/11 and thousands of us died. The UN didn't do their job, so we sent our own American sons and daughters who are doing the best job they can on behalf of our country and indeed the world. The terrorists hate our armed forces and president, plotting their death; indeed wishes the presidents family dead. Sadly, some encourage this by bashing our troops and President, listening to and repeating the weakness of hurtful gossip. Which one would trade worries with Laura Bush? We sleep well tonight because these women/men pace. We sleep tonight because their husbands/wives stand watch and are in danger everyday. We sleep tonight because soldiers and President Bush do not. Mrs. Laura Bush, and all military families I salute your strength, courage and dedication to this country. You have not run, you have not hid, and you have not faltered. I am proud of you all. Thank you, Mrs. Bush, for being there as a beacon of hope for all of us. Thank you families of the military your bravery is commendable. You have collectively earned our humble spirit of hope recognition for February 2004. God Bless America!

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Feature Article Introduction

Guest Writer this month is Christine Rose, courageous fact finder of injustice on behalf of Native American's. As you read, place yourself in a state of "intent to listen and not comment." Most people are waiting to comment and may miss the intended message. These are serious issues. Visualize! Repose quietly after you read, then return later and read it again. Then and only then are you to email me and comment. Listen to the whisper in the wind; hear the voices of fear, despair, longing, disgust, sorrow, enlightenment, live with the Indian child/parent for this moment in time. Mahalo, Christine for taking the time to write this in support of Native American Children. You are loved and appreciated. Nani

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Untangling the Web of Racism Against Indians:
Discrimination in Education
Part 1
By Christine Rose

People everywhere share a common feeling of pride and even superiority in that which they associate themselves. It might be as simple as feeling that their town is the best town or that their team is the best team. It is also true that many people feel that the group they associate with is the best group and whether we acknowledge it or not, this can sometimes include how we feel about race. Racism is unfortunately natural. But what is important is how we deal with racism, how we confront our own prejudice, and how we can offer tolerance to those we don't understand and may unfairly judge.

Anyone anywhere, at any time, can be a victim of racism. It isn't only a disease of the stereotypical redneck or the experience of being part of a minority, which is circumstantial. The dominant culture is assumed to be white, but if a white person takes a trip to New York's China Town, Harlem or any number of Indian reservations, instantly they become aware that they are different than the majority who surrounds them.

The Civil Rights Movement in the 1960's changed the way the country viewed race in regards to African-Americans and some other ethnic groups, but the group who has been left out of all civil rights conversations thus far have been Native Americans.

In some Indian reservation border towns in South Dakota, Native Americans are racially profiled at an exorbitant rate. They are stopped for speeding tickets only one or two miles over the speed limit and have been imprisoned if they couldn't pay the five dollar fine for hanging a dream catcher on their rear view mirror. Their children are subject to racism in their schools, where the majority of Native students are taught by white teachers, who judge them by white standards of culture, experience and behavior. The children drop out of school because they feel mistreated and misunderstood and the non-natives say, "See? None of them can make it out of school. Just as we expected!" Meanwhile, the parents wonder how their children could be expected to attend such a racist school.

Non-native people are often completely unaware of their racism and are very often offended at the idea that they might be considered racist. At the same time, they may be very intolerant about hearing about the woes of minority groups who feel they have been left behind or have suffered discrimination. Many non-natives are tired of feeling responsible for the issues that people of color face and they may experience an unwanted sense of guilt or responsibility that they do not feel they deserve. So many people will defensively say, "Well, I didn't kill any Indians or force them onto reservations, so don't hold me responsible." It is extremely important for people to realize that they are right. They are not responsible for the sins of the past. However, these sins live on and these are the issues that we all need to deal with today.

There are two kinds of racism perpetrated by non-natives. One is perceived by Native people to be racist but is really only ignorance, of not knowing the effects of one's behavior or attitudes on others and of not seeing life through the eyes of another culture. This type of racism is usually curable with education and understanding. Most people are willing, even anxious, to change once they understand that their perspective is not only very different than that of others but is also harmful.

The more sinister type of racism is that of white (or any race or ethnic group) supremacy. These people do not feel that they are racist, but that they are correct in their stereotypical assumptions about people of another color. Therefore, while they do not see themselves as racist, they are also unwilling to modify behavior which they feel is justified, even if it knowingly hurts others.

On the flip side of racism, non-natives can also be targeted by Indians. My own personal experience has put me in situations where I could not find help when I needed it. A few years ago, I was about to run out of gas on the Pine Ridge Reservation and no one would speak to me to tell me where I might find a gas station. My complete lack of experience with being treated in a racist manner left me almost choking with disbelief. Racism wasn't supposed to happen to me, I am a nice, white, friendly, middle aged woman who is about the most unthreatening person in the world. Why on earth wouldn't someone talk to me?

Whites and other ethnic groups may feel they are among the safest people on earth to be around. This is a racist assumption. According to a study published by the Bureau of Justice Statistics in March 2001, while violent crime for both blacks and whites is generally perpetrated by someone of the same race, violent crimes against Indians were primarily perpetrated by non-Indians. Sixty percent of the perpetrators are white and 10 percent black. Clearly, there is a reason on reservations why whites are treated with mistrust and even outright racism.

But racism against anyone at anytime is wrong. When on the reservation, I realized I had been reduced to a skin color. It was an extraordinary feeling to know that I was not being seen as a person but merely a representative of a hated race. This statement may seem over-simplified and even be offensive to those who suffer the indignity of discrimination on a daily basis, but it is extremely important that everyone understand what this feels like because this it is not a common experience for most whites who assume they will be welcome everywhere.

Any ethnic group can be racist but it is usually termed reverse racism when it involves racist behavior towards whites, as if it is acceptable and can be explained away because minorities have been victims for so long. But racism, no matter its origins, never does anyone any good. And there is no question that racism continues today, with people of all races and ethnic groups all the time. However, the difference with racism towards Indians is probably that it is the last politically correct form of racism in this country.

In the past few months, people have come forward with stories one could only think existed before the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s. Most of the dominant culture has been content to assume that civil rights violations were put to an end with the various laws that have been instituted since that time. But the strange thing about the Civil Rights Movement was that it seems it applied only to minorities other than Native Americans. This land was taken from Native peoples through "Manifest Destiny," it has been ignored that in order for this country to flourish all manners of genocide were inflicted. The treatment of Native Americans was cited by Hitler as justification for the Holocaust and by South Africa in their treatment of blacks. The racism against Indians, the belief in the 1600s that they were less than human, that they were savages and heathens, justified all means of eradication including torture and murder on a grand scale. And the national belief that all of this was necessary and acceptable in the name of progress allowed approximately 100 million people to be the victims of genocide. And the treatment and misunderstandings of centuries past has allowed us to continue to believe that racism against Native people was actually patriotic. While mass murders of tribes and stereotypes of their behavior may seem to have been eradicated, this racism continues to exist in more subversive ways. The truth of the past and denial of these horrors must be recognized and racism against Indians eliminated from our national psyche. The perpetuation of historical misunderstandings doesn't serve any purpose other than to keep Native people from being viewed in a modern light. However, as will be seen in Part two of this series, blatant and violent racism against Indians is alive and well in the US of A.

In some places where there is a large Native population, stereotypes about Native people are so rampant that it is almost acceptable to berate them and their children. It is the one form of racism that is still okay to speak openly about. Where almost no one would think of using a derogatory term to other people of color, it is routine in some places to treat Native people in an openly racist manner.

With almost every complaint I receive from Native people, their conversation so often starts out with, "I live in a very racist part of the country." After so many complaints, it would seem to me that every part of the country is racist! And yet, almost no one would say that they are racist or that they perpetrate racist behavior. Being a member of the dominant culture, that which has embraced American values and the belief that right or wrong, America is the best country on earth, keeps people from seeing their behavior towards Indians as racist.

I am an American, but having spent the better part of the last few years deeply involved with Native people, I can see the way America is viewed in their eyes. The abuse of the environment is seen as unconscionable, the lack of foresight of our actions as a country is thought to be completely irresponsible. In some places, it was less than a hundred years ago that their ancestors were living traditional lives. In that time, Native people have had their religion condemned and made illegal, (only made legal again in 1978. This, from a country based on religious freedom!) and their children were taken en masse to boarding schools to strip them of their language and culture. Native people had sophisticated societies that were denounced by our government as ineffective and were changed to reflect the way we run our government. The effect of this has been to introduce corruption in tribal councils. And the amount of land that has been taken away, even in the last century, is mind boggling. These issues are pretty much kept out of the history books and the effects of the Indian wars are virtually unknown to the general public today. (See the website Students and Teachers against Racism at www.racismagainstindians.org and click on The Native Perspective for both a historical and current portrayal of Native issues.)

Most people, when made aware of these and other problems scratch their heads and say, "Really?" The lack of understanding of the feelings, culture and continuing harassment by the government and the dominant culture leads most people to think that Indians are complaining only of problems of the past, and leads them to wonder, "Why don't they just get over it and move on?"

Misunderstanding of culture and lack of knowledge of the true Native history and current issues facing Native people causes the majority to blame the victim, rather than bring understanding and compassion to people who have and continue to suffer. When misunderstanding occurs between teacher and child, it will be the child who suffers. When the teacher does not know the various cultural differences and the historical basis of the child's upbringing, the teacher can react in a racist way, albeit without knowing it.

When Native history and issues are left out of schools there is no understanding by the white community of what Native people have and continue to endure. The national denial of the Native American perspective of history denies the Native community recognition. History for Native people began thousands of years ago. The genocide of their people needs to be taught in schools as it is also our history and it cannot be whitewashed, just as we cannot whitewash slavery or the Jewish Holocaust. By ignoring these truths, we undermine the continuing effects that genocide had on Native cultures and peoples, and we deny Native people closure. By learning about what they face today, we can open our hearts and work together to bring civil rights for all people including Native Americans.
Copyrights Christine Rose February 2004.....

Part two's riveting conclusion will be featured in April's issue. Christine's credentials will be attached at that time. Mahalo Christine, for an informative, straight up article.

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Point of Action: This issue presented many thought provoking articles.
If you have questions and comments please feel free to email me, nani@universityoflife.info. Think about ways you might add a positive ray of light into the life of a Native American child. Look at the back issue scenarios presented and see if you have a clearer vision of the intended message. Tell me what you think and I will publish your response next month. Know that you are loved and appreciated. My professor of 26 years ago, Dr. Gene Adams is honoring us with an article in May. He has worked with many indigenous people, currently teaching in Australia. Be ready to drink from the well of his vast wisdom in our May issue. A hui hou. (till we meet again)

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FYI: Community Service Announcement - Nani's Spring Schedule

Diversity Conference, March 25-26, Cottonwood Inn, Glasgow Montana. Contact Bobbi or Beth at WRC 406-228-8213 for reservations. I will see you there. Be prepared to have fun as you work, meet new people and see through the eyes of those you are privileged to serve. 1 ceu is available at this conference.

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2. Frassati School of Leadership Diversity Conference, Sons Of Norway Hall, Spokane, Washington April 22-23 . Call Michael or Rachael Muglia for reservations and information. 509-487-5323. Nani Linder trains the staff for Frassati and they teach exclusively "Be A Star" and "University Of Life Spirit Of Hope Cross Cultural Leadership" as their curriculum. 1 ceu is available at this conference.

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Watch for details about classes at Ft. Peck Community College in Montana. This class offers 2 ceu. Nani will be teaching this series with the possibility of teaming with another teacher. "Raven's Voice" in May 2004

4. Spirit of Hope conference Wolf Point, Montana May 2004 details in March newsletter. This addresses health and wellness issue and natural possibilities of regeneration. It is our belief that the body itself is the miracle when you feed it proper nutrition. WRC fundraiser, 1 cr. Certificate. Theresa Knoble is contact person and coordinator

5. Spirit Of Hope conference Williston S. Dakota May 2004 details in March newsletter. Theresa Knoble and Mary Smith co-sponsors. 1 ceu certificate

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Final word: The poor need to eat everyday not just holidays. Many schools offer script programs where you can buy coupons for groceries and fast food restaurants. This does two good deeds, help the school and use the coupons from McDonalds, Wendy's, and Burger King to feed the homeless or buy groceries for a needy family. The feeling you get for doing this selfless act is PRICELESS. Remember those abandoned pets at the shelter. Grandfather's wisdom, "your character Nani is measured by how you treat all creatures, big and small, human or animal." Think about it!

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Two new beginnings: Congrats to Sonya who has her new Baby girl born in February and to Leilani Kins and Tom Engler who will be married March 20 at Colorado Springs. Angels and blessings are with you. Prayers and blessings for Fay Linder, Kim Linder Rogers and Iris Allrunner who are recovering from surgery, one in Yuma,Az., one in Spokane Wa., And the other in Wolf Point, Mt. Prayers and blessings for all Canoe Paddlers; for those who hear the sound of Ravens Voice, and join the journey within the circle of hope.

A hui hou until April 10, 2004 Nani

www.universityoflife.info    509-467-7714      nani@universityoflife.info