research opportunities in science for native americans rosna iris prettypaint office of research...

Research Opportunities in Science for Native AmericansROSNA

Iris PrettyPaintOffice of Research & Development

University of [email protected]

(406) 243-6350

Prepared by Iris PrettyPaint (2008) Washington, DC: NACME

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ROSNA LogoThese bear claws represent student researchers in science. Like the grizzly bear, students learn to dig deep for the roots and they are bound together for support. This bearclaw necklace signifies bravery, courage and determination in everything a person does. Our hope is to secure these attributes for Native American students in science.


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ROSNA Objectives

Establish a network of tribal college research collaborations with the goal of increasing science infrastructure through collaboration.

Establish a network of programs to provide seamless support for Native science students at all levels.

Provide assistance in the development of minority outreach components for major research initiatives.


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Cultural Context

Surrounding Conditions: the circumstances or events that form the environment within

which something exists or takes placeIndians are part of a political class (not racial) based on tribes’ sovereign powers


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Article X – Montana ConstitutionEducation and Public Lands, Section 1 The state recognizes the distinct and unique

cultural heritage of the American Indians and is committed in its educational goals to the preservation of their cultural integrity.

1999, Office of Public Instruction (OPI) created 7 Essential Understandings


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Indian Education in America

History of Indian Education Mainstream Retention Research Twin Cities Healthy Nations Study (1996) Family Education Model (1997) Montana Tribal College Survey (1998) Grounded Theory on Indigenous

Persistence (2008)


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Indian Country in the Year 1492

Indian Country Today 500 Years After Columbus

Currently, approximately 562 tribes have different sovereign powers than the U.S.

government and state governments and from each other


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General Principle of SovereigntyPower and Control

The power of a governing body to exercise both legal and physical control over the people, land and resources found within a defined territory

However, the extent and breadth of tribal sovereignty is not the same for each tribe.


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What Are Sovereign Powers?Enter into treaties

Make lawsEnforce lawsDetermine criteria for citizenship or

membershipExclude people from territoryPromote and protect

citizens/members and territory


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Sense of Place Creation stories connect people to

place – history is spatial, not linear Place is a living reality, full of energy,

spirit, and in some areas, sacred

In STEM preparedness, CONTEXT is critical for development of a American Indian network, support, and outreach system.


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Centrality of Family and Community

The Foundations of Tribal Identity

Families and communities have always had ways of assessing merit or worth based on traditional values and cultural expressions.

“The community is the place where the forming of the heart and face of the individual as one of the people

is most fully expressed” (Cajete)


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Tribal College Student Profile

90 % are First Generation 85% live below the Poverty Index 75-85% are Female 40% are Single Parents 50-65% have Dependents Average Age of 28


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FEM Evaluation: Retention Questions

How do you define retention? How do you track retention? What retention activities on your campus are

effective? How do you know they are effective? How do you report retention? Why do you need to improve your retention?


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Family Education Model (FEM)

Networking Kinship, Clan, Family Community, Districts Tribal, Inter-tribal City, County, State Federal, Private Rural, Urban International

Spiritual/Religious Political Educational Social Environmental Health


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Family Education Model (FEM)

Cultural Family Activities and Life Skills Social Gatherings with

Food Craft-Making &

Traditional Food Preparation

Honoring Dinners Songs & Dances Storytellers Sweat Lodge

Problem Solving Skills Stress Management Critical Thinking Skills Interpersonal Skills

(realistic self-appraisal) Parenting Skills (time

management) Critical Thinking Skills


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FEM Counseling & Mentoring Personal Academic Financial Career Transfer Search & Rescue

Team (early intervention)

Role Models Group Work Matching Gender/Tribal

Specific


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research opportunities in science for native americans rosna iris prettypaint office of research...

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