The Importance of Elders with Dusty Olson

Who are the Elders in the community where I live? How is someone designated as an Elder? In what ways were many Elders impacted by boarding schools? Who are Elders in my life that I rely on for wisdom and advice?  How did I come to know the Elders in my life?  Do they mostly…

The Role of Societies with Dusty Olson

What is the role of a society in the MHA nation? How are societies different as you grow up? What opportunities are available at different ages to join societies? How have I learned about my culture and heritage? Who has taught me about my culture and heritage? Do I see value in knowing about where…

A Problem with Truancy with Dusty Olson

What is the “Failure to Send Children to School” Code? What is absenteeism and how does it impact schools and students? What is the 10 Day Absent rule? What is Truancy Court? Did my family see school attendance as a priority?  Why or why not? How does missing school impact learning? Do I remember a…

Be Proud of Who You Are with Dusty Olson

How do Elders help us to understand the world around us? What are some of the ways that Elders passing on impacts communities? How do Elders help us with understanding our identity? Who are important Elders in my life?  What is my relationship to them? How would I answer the question, “Where do you come…

Who Am I? with Dyan Fox

How is identity impacted by knowing the history of a community? What does it mean to be people who come from the sky? What does it mean to be people who come from the land? What do I know about the history of where and who I am from? What is the story of my…

A Tug of War Relationship with Dyan Fox

Why weren’t Native Americans considered US citizens until 1924? What does it mean to have a “Nation to Nation” relationship between tribal nations and the federal government? What is the Homestead Act?  How did it impact Native American people? What does it mean that tribal nations have had a “tug of war” relationship with the…

Sovereignty & Tribal Government with Dyan Fox

What is sovereignty? Why is understanding sovereignty so important, especially for Native American people? What are examples of how tribal governments are structured? Why are different tribes structured differently for their leadership? What are ways that tribal governments can be compared and contrasted? What is my experience in being involved with local governments? Do I…