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EDITORIAL I just finished reading a book by Alaska Native Velma Wallis called “Raising Ourselves.” I recommend this book to all educators who continue to wonder why education appears not to be a life priority for many Indian families. It is a graphic autobiographical account of Velma Wallis’ childhood and a straightforward understanding of cultural confusion and generational posttraumatic stress. Ms. Wallis grew up as one of thirteen children in a Native village at Fort Yukon, Alaska. She received the 1993 Western States Book Award and a 1994 Pacific Northwest Booksellers Award for her book, “Two Old Women.” She did not attend school after age 13; she earned a GED at age 25. I look forward to communicating with the Montana Indian Education community through the MIEA newsletter and at the many community forums provided to us for influencing Indian education. I also look forward to working with all of you on the upcoming Annual MIEA Conference to be held in Missoula April 1-4. Watch for the Call to Conference in the next couple of weeks. Please consider presenting your lesson plans and curriculum discoveries. Also, if you want to contribute lesson-planning suggestions to the newsletter please do so. Please contribute ANY comments, guest editorials, information about local education community events to the MIEA News. Any communication that will get the word out and can enhance Indian Education is welcome and encouraged. Email me at [email protected] or write to me at 1225 34th Street, #340, Missoula 59801. I look forward to meeting you and working with all of you as your MIEA Executive Secretary throughout the year. Patty LaPlant 1225 34th Street #340 |