Monday, February 16, 2009

American Indians Of Indiana Meeting At Center: Strength In Unity

STRENGTH IN UNITY: A MEETING OF AMERICAN INDIANS OF INDIANA

Friday, March 6 th , 2009; 1 pm - 4 pm

Eiteljorg Museum ( Downstairs Canal Level Education Suites)

500 W. Washington Street , Indianapolis , IN 46201

Indiana is home to an estimated 43,000 residents of American Indian heritage, or just under 1% of the state´s total population of 6.3 million (American Indian whether full- or mixed-blood, and including those who are Alaska Native). American Indians of Indiana experience considerably greater social, economic, health, and cultural disparities than the state´s population overall, based on Census 2000 statistics. More detailed and up-to-date information is needed on American Indians of Indiana, especially in regard to their health and educational needs. Such information would assist and empower these persons in various ways, including but not limited to: coordination of comprehensive and community-based services, and of the public/private funding thereof. A key goal of this meeting is to bring together the American Indian Communities across Indiana through mutual respect for each other, by gathering together to discuss a major project: The Health & Education Needs Assessment Survey of American Indians of Indiana.

Since I moved to Indianapolis about three years ago, I have participated in many Native American events across Indiana. I, personally, and also as the Project Coordinator of the American Indian Center of Indiana, have observed divisiveness among the American Indian Community of Indiana, whether based on individual or tribal disagreement. We have become our own worst enemy: Indian(s) against Indian(s). This diminishes the spiritual protection for the individual and the community. I ask you this question, "How long have you talked, or felt, and/or listened to this divisiveness among us?" And, "How much longer do you want it to last, for your ancestors, yourself, your family, friends, and the future our children?"

If you plan to attend this meeting, I ask that we each start the healing of our community before you come, with whatever form of healing deemed appropriate (smudging, sweat lodge, singing, meditation and prayer, reading...). Also, I ask that we can agree to disagree, and despite our differences, we can nevertheless listen to the other and engage in constructive dialogue. We will keep within the timeframe and guidelines of the meeting. Walk in beauty, aho

MEETING AGENDA

1 pm Opening prayer and drumming

1:15 Tony Showa, AICI Project Coordinator and Meeting Facilitator

1:30 Dr. Johnny Flynn, IUPUI Associate Professor: Need for survey, esp. the educational needs

2:00 Jolene Burtrum, CEO Citizens Health Clinic: Why the health needs

2:30 Drumming, Pow Wows Concerns and break

3:00 Questions, advice, suggestions, understanding, and unity

3:45 - 4 Ending prayer and drumming

Please RSVP and for further information, please contact Tony Showa of the American Indian Center of Indiana at (317) 917-8000, option 4; or via email at:

tshowa@americanindiancenter.org