Post by blackcrowheart on Dec 2, 2005 14:17:54 GMT -5
Excerpt from Dine College President's Report to the College Community
Report to the College Community
Ferlin Clark, Ed.M.
President of Diné College
November 21, 2005
CAMPAIGN HOZHO
Renewal Ceremonies, Campaign Hozho
Hogan
The Hogan that was built was a blessing. Mr. Anthony Lee offered the
song and prayer to bless the ground that the Hogan was to be placed
for the sacred ceremony. Mr. Don Denetdeal offered the sacred hoghan
biyiin, dzil biyiin, as the hoghan was anointed with white corn,
yellow corn, then tadidiin by the two students and Mr. Denetdeal.
Faculty, staff, and students joined in the sacred song as the new
hoghan resonated with hope, optimism, and pride.
The October 12 & 13 Campaign Hozho ceremony was the finale of
serious and culturally significant activities of the College for the
past year. There were numerous people that assisted in the success
of the ceremonies, from cafeteria and maintenance staff, faculty,
students, administrators, community members, family, and friends.
The students who represented the male and female students, Mr.
Geoffrey Claw and Ms. Miranda Manheimer were significant as they
represented all the students of the College. History was made. There
is no other higher educational institution in the country that has
the spiritual-ceremonial items that we are blessed to have at Diné
College. The sacred items that were renewed, the clock-wise woven
basket, the removal of non-blessing way items, and then the re-
awakening of the K'e taan Yalti with song, prayer, and spiritual
tobacco was a moving, powerful, awesome experience. The Hogan was
filled every moment of every part of the ceremonies; incredible. A
moment that will be etched in the minds and spirits of those who
attended.
Fire
Early Wednesday morning, Dr. Wilson Aronilth and his son arrived
before dawn, as we (Thelma Johnson, Grace McNeley, and Alex
Mitchell) arrived. Dr. Aronilth began the new fire the traditional
way; as the yoolgai, Dootlizhi, Dichili, Bazhini, Yodidzil,
Nitlizdzil, and Tse Ahadindini was lit. The fire was not to go out
for four days.
Protection Prayer
The Protection prayer was held on Wednesday night. The negative
attitude, behavior, experiences, spirits, and activities were blown
to the north as synchronized prayer, calling upon protective
entities from the sacred mountains, animals, and elements for
assistance, guidance, and protection. The shield of our Hayl and
Besh Tsistogi was renewed, to protect the College from bad, evil,
and harm. The attached document reflects the main goals of the
ceremony (See Attached).
Blessing Way Prayer
On Thursday morning, Blessing Way prayers were said with songs as
the new dawn approached. The new beginning of Diné College was upon
us. We sat in reverence of the beauty and power of the purpose of
our College. Throughout the morning, Mr. Victor Begay and his
helpers, guided the process of the ceremony. Careful with the four
sacred stones that were placed on buckskin as offerings for
strength, prosperity, and harmony, we drove towards the east to find
the sacred place on Mother Earth to place the stones, with
synchronized prayer, for the College, our students, faculty, staff,
for our future. As we returned to the Hogan, we entered to greet the
many people in the Hogan and the new basket placed upon sacred earth
from the corn field, with talawosh placed purposely on top of the
basket. We bathed and washed ourselves, our hair, with the natural
soap mixed with sacred mountain water. We cleansed ourselves with
white corn, a rebirth. The sacred items within the basket were also
cleaned with the soap and water and then with the white corn. The
old tobacco was removed and the chii was also removed, and then
replaced with Dzil Natoh. The items were then placed into the new
basket, prepared to be revitalized, renewed, with song, prayer, and
the Dzil Natoh. Dr. Aronilth helped in this process as he is also a
caretaker of these items. We tied our Tsi Yeel and sat again as the
Hataathli sang, and I held the basket in my hands. As the song was
sung, each sacred mountain and element was mentioned and I motioned
to the east, as the time to turn the basket towards me approached.
Then, at that sacred moment, I turned the basket towards me in a
clockwise direction and inhaled the sacred into my being, as
president of the College, our Sacred College. An honor, a privilege,
that cannot be quantified, only appreciated. At that moment, the Ke
taan yalti, all of the sacred items, seem to awake, seem to slowly
stand up and stretch, and then stood to move forward as our guide
towards a renewed future. A new beginning!
POLITICS
The Office of the President has been involved in numerous external activities, from state, federal, colleges and universities, and membership activities, that have direct and indirect relationships with the College.
Community
The Tsaile Community Development Committee has not met recently, but the issues regarding our College’s Public Safety is an issue that requires communication and immediate action. For example, the access roads that lead into the College invite some unwanted activities, namely alcohol, drugs, and vandalism. As the roads are being surveyed and prepared for paving in the near future, it is also important that the College control the traffic entering the College. A measure that has been proposed includes building a gate at the east entrance, the south entrance, as well as at the residential halls entrance, and also at the northeast quadrant of the circle drive. Security systems have been discussed, but also the need to train and to hire qualified commissioned officers to patrol, monitor, and arrest students and public persons who violate school policies and Navajo laws. The Navajo Nation as a whole is short-handed in commissioned police officers, jails, and enforcement of Navajo laws. This is an issue that has been discussed with the local chapter officials and they will be apprised of our needs, concerns, and plan to control the traffic that enters the College.
A Public Radio station for Tsaile is also being studied through the leadership and volunteerism of Dr. James McNeley. Although he retired last year, Dr. McNeley is interested and has been leading an effort to bring public radio to the Tsaile community.
Federal
There have been numerous trips to Washington, D.C., and also to Boston, MA, to meet with Senators and House of Representative members for support of the Navajo Nation Higher Education Act (NNHEA), which is the modernization of the Navajo Community College Act.
The Tribally Controlled Universities Assistance Act was placed into the Higher Education Act reauthorization bill along with the NNHEA on the Senate side. However, at the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pension (HELP) committee, Senator McCain’s office and the HELP committee staffers explained that the $15 Million annual appropriation for 5 years was stricken because it was not a technical or perfecting amendment, essentially meaning that it was an appropriations item that should be taken up by the appropriations committee. Furthermore, because the HEA-TCCUA-NNHEA are reauthorizations, reauthorizations does not allow funding amounts to be included. This was my reason for meeting with Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA).
Senator Kennedy and his son, Congressman Patrick Kennedy (D-MA) mentioned that there may be a possibility of inserting appropriations language as Congress considers Hurricane Relief funding. Mr. Jaye Ghazal was introduced to me as a lobbyist who might be able to assist us in our effort. Although the College has been working with Holland & Knight for over a year, it is in the College’s best interest to also work with other influential lobbyist to assist the College. The College has also given notice to Holland & Knight of the recent direction that the College has taken in not maintaining our relationship with their firm since Mr. Ghazal has offered to assist us, also because the Navajo Nation Washington Office has been working to assist the College. Mr. Darrin Pete and Mr. Javier Ramos with the Navajo Nation Washington Office have been working directly with me on the NNHEA activities.
The Navajo Nation Higher Education Act, on the Senate side, has been approved, but with the language of “as such sums as may be necessary” inserted in place of the “$15 Million annual appropriation for five years.”
Now, the House version, which Congressman Renzi (R-AZ) introduced remains our hope. The House version includes the funding amount, and we are hopeful that as the HEA moves on the House side that the NNHEA also moves along with it. As it sits now, the NNHEA is a stand alone. However, we anticipate that since the Senate approved the HEA which includes the TCCUA and the NNHEA, that at the Conference Committee level, we may be able to secure support from Senator Domenici (R-NM) with Congressman Renzi’s leadership. This is the current status. Furthermore, the Diné Environmental Institute (DEI) remains a potential source of leverage for the College to secure Senator Domenici’s support. Senator Domenici has long supported the WERC, environmental science activities at the Shiprock campus with the New Mexico State University, and may possibly support the NNHEA-House version if portions of the $15 Million annual appropriation are applied towards the DEI proposal.
In the meanwhile, DC students from the Window Rock campus sent letters to Senator McCain, Domenici, and Congressman Renzi, which was the impetus for the movement of the NNHEA. I cannot stress the importance of these letters, and emails. We encourage more emails, faxes, and phone calls.
The Title II, annual appropriations for Diné College, within the TCCUA has been approved since it was part of the Interior budget which was signed by President Bush this past summer. The amount approved for all tribal colleges includes the amount DC received last year which is $11.1 Million. However, the $2.5 Million increase that the TCCUA received is on hold because President Bush and Congress may reconcile the FY ’06 budget, which means that the $2.5 Million could be cut. The percentage is not yet settled, but in a recent meeting with BIA-Office of Indian Education Programs budget officials, the amount will be determined soon. Of course our position is that we vehemently opposed any cuts to the increase.
State of New Mexico
The New Mexico Lottery Scholarship remains an item that the College hopes to be diversified to include tribal college first-time freshman. Diné College presented written testimony at the Joint Legislative Committee on the Lottery Scholarship on September 21, 2005 in Albuquerque. Opposition remains in the legislature primarily because other “private” colleges and vocational institutions would also have to be considered. At present, if New Mexico students who attend Diné College receive the scholarship, there would be a $150,000 impact, $450,000 with all tribal colleges, eligible, students receiving the scholarship. A December 7th meeting with the Indian Affairs Committee is being scheduled to receive their endorsement.
The Capital Outlay proposal has also been sent to the New Mexico Capital Outlay Department requesting $11 Million over six years that would support facilities and infrastructure at Shiprock and Crownpoint. Vice Present Belloli, Grants Coordinator, Amanda McNeil, and Cameron Daines developed the proposal.
The President of Diné College was selected to be a member of the New Mexico Higher Education Advisory Board under the newly created Secretary of Higher Education. Other members include the presidents from the University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, Highlands University, San Juan College, New Mexico Technical College, and a faculty and student representative. Secretary of Indian Affairs, Benny Shendo, is also on the Advisory Board. The Lottery Scholarship and the Capital Outlay for the Tribal Colleges was presented on behalf of the Tribal Colleges. Former Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Maggie George, is the Tribal Liaison for the Secretary of Higher Education. Among her oversight includes the articulation of transfer programs.
State of Arizona
The Arizona-Navajo Compact that allows Diné College to receive $1.75 Million annually is also a topic that surfaced at the Navajo Nation Telecommunications and Technology Regulatory Commission’s meeting last month. Diné College is concerned that the NN Commission is seeking funds from the Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT), funds which we receive, to be utilize for their purposes. Also, Senator Hale may propose a bill to allow other tribes to secure funds from the TPT. Diné College opposes both proposals, unless our funds are protected and/or increased. We will remain vigilant in protecting the funds that we receive from this funding source.
We will be entertaining the possibility of having the Arizona Foundation, based in Flagstaff, to serve as our fiscal agent to receive private, corporate, and foundation funds for the College. We met with them last year, and since Vice President Daines is back on staff, we will be meeting with them to discuss an agreement.
RC Gorman
RC Gorman, the internationally renowned Navajo Artist, died November 3rd. Our condolence to the family of RC was expressed at his funeral. Mr. Gorman made a tremendous gift to Diné College and we remain the sole entity on the Navajo Nation that has a significant RC Gorman Library and Art Collection. Although we never finalized an agreement to secure his entire art collection for the RC Gorman Museum and Fine Arts Academy, we will be working with his family to carry out his intentions.
Nevertheless, the world lost a great humanitarian, philanthropist, and fellow Navajo. RC Gorman was a significant treasure that we were proud to know. A tribute to RC Gorman will be planned for the spring time. This will be done in coordination with his family.
Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation
Tribal Council Member, Mr. Owen Dona, has expressed interest to support Diné College in the near future. Specifically he will accept a proposal to support student programs and activities. A proposal to support the athletic programs will be submitted to him for consideration by his Tribal Council.
American Indian Higher Education Consortium
The American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) met at the end of September in Denver, Colorado. At the meeting, the Board received updated audit reports from fiscal year 2002 through 2004. A financial management plan was also received and accepted. The AIHEC board endorsed the plan and is confident in the management of the AIHEC administration in carrying out its duties and responsibilities for the Colleges. AIHEC also endorsed Diné College’s $25 Million annual appropriations request as agreed upon last year. Essentially, DC will receive its own federal mark as evident in our NNHEA request, but still far short of our annual request. Diné College and the Crownpoint Institute of Technology agreed to maintain membership with AIHEC and as such the College will pay the $18,000 annual membership dues.
Furthermore, the senior leadership on the AIHEC board nominated and unanimously elected me to the Vice President of the AIHEC Executive Committee. By becoming the Vice President, Diné College’s concerns are sure to be addressed and our separate federal funding amount will be supported.
American Indian College Fund
The American Indian College Fund (AICF) held their annual Flame of Hope Gala in New York on November 10th. The AICF Board of Directors met on Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to discuss the recent natural disasters and their potential impact on the AICF’s fundraising activities. There appears to be some shift in donor gifts, basically towards relief efforts in the gulf coast, however, we (AICF) need to continue to carve out the niche that is unique to the ACIF and the tribal college movement. The AIHEC financial audits also surfaced and the Board members who raised the concern were made aware of the AIHEC Board’s stand on this matter. The AICF Board also moved to establish the RC Gorman Scholarship Fund whereby the funds deriving from the sale of the RC Gorman, Homage to Spider Woman Pendleton robe will fund this special scholarship. Furthermore, the AICF Board established a $10,000 endowment fund for this purpose.
The College invited and covered expenses for the current Miss Navajo Nation, Ms. Rachelle James, a Diné College graduate and former recipient of the AICF scholarship. Furthermore, the Navajo Code Talkers were honored at the Gala along with Jessica Lynch and the family of the late Lori Piestewa. Mr. R. Carlos Nakai and Kris Kristofferson provided the entertainment for the event. It was a success!
College Board
The Diné College is the first tribally-controlled educational institution that has representation on the distinguished College Board of Trustees. Diné College has become a member of the College Board recently since we are users of the Accuplacer placement test. As a tribal college we maintain a unique network that the College Board wants to serve. Essentially the College Board administers the SAT exam for college entrance requirements. The College Board provides services beyond the SAT and Accuplacer, including a Pre-SAT program, a Spring Board program, AP courses and programs, which also lead to the National Merit Scholarship. As a member of the Board of Trustees, Diné College urges other tribal colleges as well as high schools operating on the Navajo Nation to consider the SAT and other College Board services.
The development of an American Indian component has never been considered at the College Board, but now there are opportunities that are available. Several American Indians attended the College Board Forum, a conference held at the end of October in New York City that attracted over 3,000 participants.
Mr. Gaston Caperton, Executive Director of the College Board wishes to visit the Navajo Nation in the near future to become aware and understand the unique history, culture, and educational system on the Navajo Nation. Furthermore, other members of the College Board of Trustees expressed interest in having Diné College host a spring/summer 2006 event here on Navajo land.
Fort Lewis College
On October 21 & 22, 2005, Dean Benally of Shiprock and myself met with President Barlett of Fort Lewis College to discuss some concerns we have, including the Navajo Language courses that is being taught through their teacher education program as well as the proficiency exam that they administer. They deny that such activity occurred; however, the concerns that were raised by Regent Leland Leonard, as the Executive Director of the Division of Diné Education, this past summer over the proficiency testing led us to think otherwise. Nevertheless, our goal was to revisit the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that was established in the early 1990s through the teacher education consortium, which has since expired, but the relationship with the Fort Lewis College continues. For example, they offer education and Navajo language courses at Shiprock. Diné College goal is to assure that our Navajo Language and Culture courses are transferred and accepted along with the General Education program at Fort Lewis College. This applies to all Arizona and New Mexico colleges and universities, including, San Juan College, the University of New Mexico, to name a few.
On October 22nd, Fort Lewis College President Bartlett invited me and former Navajo Nation Chairman and President, now Special Assistant to the Arizona State University president, Dr. Peterson Zah, to serve as members of the Fort Lewis College American Indian Studies program. Fort Lewis College’s effort to establish such a program is consistent with their charter and is a trend throughout the United States which further underscores our goal to develop and offer our own Diné Studies bachelor’s degree. A Navajo language component was incorporated into their degree program and we urge that such a course must be legitimate.
University of New Mexico
At a September 7th Summit on Tribal Higher Education at the University of New Mexico (UNM), Regent Leonard, Mr. Elmer Guy of CIT and me represented the Navajo Nation. As a result of the Summit, various UNM programs, including public health, education, and the American Indian Studies program expressed interest to forge partnerships with Diné College. Some prior partnerships were spoken of, however, renewed interest in working with Diné College as well as other tribal colleges is creating new opportunities for partnership. UNM still very much wants to meet with NM Tribal College Presidents this fall and we're trying to finalize potential dates for what we anticipate will be a full-day meeting. The meeting will be either December 14th, 16th, 19th or the 21st? Like all the regional colleges and universities which surround the Navajo Nation, Diné College wishes to work on one area/person of contact from each educational institution.
Our goal is to ask for their partnership based on our efforts, rather than being reactive to request from outside entities. We realize we cannot address all the educational needs on the Navajo Nation, but we plan to strengthen our programs while concurrently forging partnerships with other higher educational institutions.
Northland Pioneer College
Dr. Richard Fleming resigned at President of Northland Pioneer College (NPC) several months ago. Former president, Dr. Gary Passer, is the acting president. NPC and DC were attempting to partner in Kayenta, but that will be delayed. NPC remains a potential partner and we will continue to communicate our interest with President Passer.
Crownpoint Institute of Technology
A meeting with President Jim Tutt and Vice President Elmer Guy of CIT was held on October 29th at the Shiprock DC campus. Dean Benally, staff member, Thomas Bennett from the placement testing/Adult Basic Education office, Patrick Sandoval from the Crownpoint DC campus, and myself met with CIT officials to discuss the expired Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and potential sharing of resources, facilities, and other collaborative efforts, i.e., lottery scholarship, articulation of programs/courses, etc. Another major item that was discussed was the opportunity for Diné College and CIT to provide training opportunities for Workforce Development needs from the four-corners’ power plant companies, as well as training needs presented by Raytheon.
Raytheon
Mr. Robert Joe, Executive Director of the Raytheon Office at the Navajo Agriculture and Produce Industry (NAPI) Plant, Mrs. Carole Holyan, Human Resources Specialist from the Tucson Raytheon Office expressed interest in having Diné College provide a curriculum to train the Navajo staff employed at the NAPI-Raytheon plant. Vice President Keith, Dean Benally, Staff member Thomas Bennett, met with Mr. Joe and Mrs. Holyan at least three times over the past two months to discuss the training opportunities. Mr. Bennett has developed a Business Survey for Raytheon employees to complete to determine level of employment, education attained, employment interest, and future academic goals. Based on results of the survey, Diné College will develop a training module, or better yet offer courses already within our curriculum, to Raytheon staff. The development of critical, analytical, and decision-making skills are at the forefront of the needs that were mentioned. Furthermore, janitorial and computer technical skills development serve as the range for staff development. As a result, we determined that Diné College does not have the vocational and technical expertise to address Raytheon’s multiple needs, and therefore required us to call upon CIT as well as Pima Community College to meet with us to develop training programs for Raytheon. This will assist our effort to develop a training program for the Arizona Public Service, Four Corners Power Plan, BHP, Peabody Coal, and other training and employment entities on and off the Navajo Nation.
Additionally, this caused Vice President Keith and my office to reconsider the Continuing Education/Distance Education position, which has not been filled for nearly two years to be redeveloped to a Continuing Education/Workforce Development focus.
Report to the College Community
Ferlin Clark, Ed.M.
President of Diné College
November 21, 2005
CAMPAIGN HOZHO
Renewal Ceremonies, Campaign Hozho
Hogan
The Hogan that was built was a blessing. Mr. Anthony Lee offered the
song and prayer to bless the ground that the Hogan was to be placed
for the sacred ceremony. Mr. Don Denetdeal offered the sacred hoghan
biyiin, dzil biyiin, as the hoghan was anointed with white corn,
yellow corn, then tadidiin by the two students and Mr. Denetdeal.
Faculty, staff, and students joined in the sacred song as the new
hoghan resonated with hope, optimism, and pride.
The October 12 & 13 Campaign Hozho ceremony was the finale of
serious and culturally significant activities of the College for the
past year. There were numerous people that assisted in the success
of the ceremonies, from cafeteria and maintenance staff, faculty,
students, administrators, community members, family, and friends.
The students who represented the male and female students, Mr.
Geoffrey Claw and Ms. Miranda Manheimer were significant as they
represented all the students of the College. History was made. There
is no other higher educational institution in the country that has
the spiritual-ceremonial items that we are blessed to have at Diné
College. The sacred items that were renewed, the clock-wise woven
basket, the removal of non-blessing way items, and then the re-
awakening of the K'e taan Yalti with song, prayer, and spiritual
tobacco was a moving, powerful, awesome experience. The Hogan was
filled every moment of every part of the ceremonies; incredible. A
moment that will be etched in the minds and spirits of those who
attended.
Fire
Early Wednesday morning, Dr. Wilson Aronilth and his son arrived
before dawn, as we (Thelma Johnson, Grace McNeley, and Alex
Mitchell) arrived. Dr. Aronilth began the new fire the traditional
way; as the yoolgai, Dootlizhi, Dichili, Bazhini, Yodidzil,
Nitlizdzil, and Tse Ahadindini was lit. The fire was not to go out
for four days.
Protection Prayer
The Protection prayer was held on Wednesday night. The negative
attitude, behavior, experiences, spirits, and activities were blown
to the north as synchronized prayer, calling upon protective
entities from the sacred mountains, animals, and elements for
assistance, guidance, and protection. The shield of our Hayl and
Besh Tsistogi was renewed, to protect the College from bad, evil,
and harm. The attached document reflects the main goals of the
ceremony (See Attached).
Blessing Way Prayer
On Thursday morning, Blessing Way prayers were said with songs as
the new dawn approached. The new beginning of Diné College was upon
us. We sat in reverence of the beauty and power of the purpose of
our College. Throughout the morning, Mr. Victor Begay and his
helpers, guided the process of the ceremony. Careful with the four
sacred stones that were placed on buckskin as offerings for
strength, prosperity, and harmony, we drove towards the east to find
the sacred place on Mother Earth to place the stones, with
synchronized prayer, for the College, our students, faculty, staff,
for our future. As we returned to the Hogan, we entered to greet the
many people in the Hogan and the new basket placed upon sacred earth
from the corn field, with talawosh placed purposely on top of the
basket. We bathed and washed ourselves, our hair, with the natural
soap mixed with sacred mountain water. We cleansed ourselves with
white corn, a rebirth. The sacred items within the basket were also
cleaned with the soap and water and then with the white corn. The
old tobacco was removed and the chii was also removed, and then
replaced with Dzil Natoh. The items were then placed into the new
basket, prepared to be revitalized, renewed, with song, prayer, and
the Dzil Natoh. Dr. Aronilth helped in this process as he is also a
caretaker of these items. We tied our Tsi Yeel and sat again as the
Hataathli sang, and I held the basket in my hands. As the song was
sung, each sacred mountain and element was mentioned and I motioned
to the east, as the time to turn the basket towards me approached.
Then, at that sacred moment, I turned the basket towards me in a
clockwise direction and inhaled the sacred into my being, as
president of the College, our Sacred College. An honor, a privilege,
that cannot be quantified, only appreciated. At that moment, the Ke
taan yalti, all of the sacred items, seem to awake, seem to slowly
stand up and stretch, and then stood to move forward as our guide
towards a renewed future. A new beginning!
POLITICS
The Office of the President has been involved in numerous external activities, from state, federal, colleges and universities, and membership activities, that have direct and indirect relationships with the College.
Community
The Tsaile Community Development Committee has not met recently, but the issues regarding our College’s Public Safety is an issue that requires communication and immediate action. For example, the access roads that lead into the College invite some unwanted activities, namely alcohol, drugs, and vandalism. As the roads are being surveyed and prepared for paving in the near future, it is also important that the College control the traffic entering the College. A measure that has been proposed includes building a gate at the east entrance, the south entrance, as well as at the residential halls entrance, and also at the northeast quadrant of the circle drive. Security systems have been discussed, but also the need to train and to hire qualified commissioned officers to patrol, monitor, and arrest students and public persons who violate school policies and Navajo laws. The Navajo Nation as a whole is short-handed in commissioned police officers, jails, and enforcement of Navajo laws. This is an issue that has been discussed with the local chapter officials and they will be apprised of our needs, concerns, and plan to control the traffic that enters the College.
A Public Radio station for Tsaile is also being studied through the leadership and volunteerism of Dr. James McNeley. Although he retired last year, Dr. McNeley is interested and has been leading an effort to bring public radio to the Tsaile community.
Federal
There have been numerous trips to Washington, D.C., and also to Boston, MA, to meet with Senators and House of Representative members for support of the Navajo Nation Higher Education Act (NNHEA), which is the modernization of the Navajo Community College Act.
The Tribally Controlled Universities Assistance Act was placed into the Higher Education Act reauthorization bill along with the NNHEA on the Senate side. However, at the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pension (HELP) committee, Senator McCain’s office and the HELP committee staffers explained that the $15 Million annual appropriation for 5 years was stricken because it was not a technical or perfecting amendment, essentially meaning that it was an appropriations item that should be taken up by the appropriations committee. Furthermore, because the HEA-TCCUA-NNHEA are reauthorizations, reauthorizations does not allow funding amounts to be included. This was my reason for meeting with Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA).
Senator Kennedy and his son, Congressman Patrick Kennedy (D-MA) mentioned that there may be a possibility of inserting appropriations language as Congress considers Hurricane Relief funding. Mr. Jaye Ghazal was introduced to me as a lobbyist who might be able to assist us in our effort. Although the College has been working with Holland & Knight for over a year, it is in the College’s best interest to also work with other influential lobbyist to assist the College. The College has also given notice to Holland & Knight of the recent direction that the College has taken in not maintaining our relationship with their firm since Mr. Ghazal has offered to assist us, also because the Navajo Nation Washington Office has been working to assist the College. Mr. Darrin Pete and Mr. Javier Ramos with the Navajo Nation Washington Office have been working directly with me on the NNHEA activities.
The Navajo Nation Higher Education Act, on the Senate side, has been approved, but with the language of “as such sums as may be necessary” inserted in place of the “$15 Million annual appropriation for five years.”
Now, the House version, which Congressman Renzi (R-AZ) introduced remains our hope. The House version includes the funding amount, and we are hopeful that as the HEA moves on the House side that the NNHEA also moves along with it. As it sits now, the NNHEA is a stand alone. However, we anticipate that since the Senate approved the HEA which includes the TCCUA and the NNHEA, that at the Conference Committee level, we may be able to secure support from Senator Domenici (R-NM) with Congressman Renzi’s leadership. This is the current status. Furthermore, the Diné Environmental Institute (DEI) remains a potential source of leverage for the College to secure Senator Domenici’s support. Senator Domenici has long supported the WERC, environmental science activities at the Shiprock campus with the New Mexico State University, and may possibly support the NNHEA-House version if portions of the $15 Million annual appropriation are applied towards the DEI proposal.
In the meanwhile, DC students from the Window Rock campus sent letters to Senator McCain, Domenici, and Congressman Renzi, which was the impetus for the movement of the NNHEA. I cannot stress the importance of these letters, and emails. We encourage more emails, faxes, and phone calls.
The Title II, annual appropriations for Diné College, within the TCCUA has been approved since it was part of the Interior budget which was signed by President Bush this past summer. The amount approved for all tribal colleges includes the amount DC received last year which is $11.1 Million. However, the $2.5 Million increase that the TCCUA received is on hold because President Bush and Congress may reconcile the FY ’06 budget, which means that the $2.5 Million could be cut. The percentage is not yet settled, but in a recent meeting with BIA-Office of Indian Education Programs budget officials, the amount will be determined soon. Of course our position is that we vehemently opposed any cuts to the increase.
State of New Mexico
The New Mexico Lottery Scholarship remains an item that the College hopes to be diversified to include tribal college first-time freshman. Diné College presented written testimony at the Joint Legislative Committee on the Lottery Scholarship on September 21, 2005 in Albuquerque. Opposition remains in the legislature primarily because other “private” colleges and vocational institutions would also have to be considered. At present, if New Mexico students who attend Diné College receive the scholarship, there would be a $150,000 impact, $450,000 with all tribal colleges, eligible, students receiving the scholarship. A December 7th meeting with the Indian Affairs Committee is being scheduled to receive their endorsement.
The Capital Outlay proposal has also been sent to the New Mexico Capital Outlay Department requesting $11 Million over six years that would support facilities and infrastructure at Shiprock and Crownpoint. Vice Present Belloli, Grants Coordinator, Amanda McNeil, and Cameron Daines developed the proposal.
The President of Diné College was selected to be a member of the New Mexico Higher Education Advisory Board under the newly created Secretary of Higher Education. Other members include the presidents from the University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, Highlands University, San Juan College, New Mexico Technical College, and a faculty and student representative. Secretary of Indian Affairs, Benny Shendo, is also on the Advisory Board. The Lottery Scholarship and the Capital Outlay for the Tribal Colleges was presented on behalf of the Tribal Colleges. Former Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Maggie George, is the Tribal Liaison for the Secretary of Higher Education. Among her oversight includes the articulation of transfer programs.
State of Arizona
The Arizona-Navajo Compact that allows Diné College to receive $1.75 Million annually is also a topic that surfaced at the Navajo Nation Telecommunications and Technology Regulatory Commission’s meeting last month. Diné College is concerned that the NN Commission is seeking funds from the Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT), funds which we receive, to be utilize for their purposes. Also, Senator Hale may propose a bill to allow other tribes to secure funds from the TPT. Diné College opposes both proposals, unless our funds are protected and/or increased. We will remain vigilant in protecting the funds that we receive from this funding source.
We will be entertaining the possibility of having the Arizona Foundation, based in Flagstaff, to serve as our fiscal agent to receive private, corporate, and foundation funds for the College. We met with them last year, and since Vice President Daines is back on staff, we will be meeting with them to discuss an agreement.
RC Gorman
RC Gorman, the internationally renowned Navajo Artist, died November 3rd. Our condolence to the family of RC was expressed at his funeral. Mr. Gorman made a tremendous gift to Diné College and we remain the sole entity on the Navajo Nation that has a significant RC Gorman Library and Art Collection. Although we never finalized an agreement to secure his entire art collection for the RC Gorman Museum and Fine Arts Academy, we will be working with his family to carry out his intentions.
Nevertheless, the world lost a great humanitarian, philanthropist, and fellow Navajo. RC Gorman was a significant treasure that we were proud to know. A tribute to RC Gorman will be planned for the spring time. This will be done in coordination with his family.
Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation
Tribal Council Member, Mr. Owen Dona, has expressed interest to support Diné College in the near future. Specifically he will accept a proposal to support student programs and activities. A proposal to support the athletic programs will be submitted to him for consideration by his Tribal Council.
American Indian Higher Education Consortium
The American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) met at the end of September in Denver, Colorado. At the meeting, the Board received updated audit reports from fiscal year 2002 through 2004. A financial management plan was also received and accepted. The AIHEC board endorsed the plan and is confident in the management of the AIHEC administration in carrying out its duties and responsibilities for the Colleges. AIHEC also endorsed Diné College’s $25 Million annual appropriations request as agreed upon last year. Essentially, DC will receive its own federal mark as evident in our NNHEA request, but still far short of our annual request. Diné College and the Crownpoint Institute of Technology agreed to maintain membership with AIHEC and as such the College will pay the $18,000 annual membership dues.
Furthermore, the senior leadership on the AIHEC board nominated and unanimously elected me to the Vice President of the AIHEC Executive Committee. By becoming the Vice President, Diné College’s concerns are sure to be addressed and our separate federal funding amount will be supported.
American Indian College Fund
The American Indian College Fund (AICF) held their annual Flame of Hope Gala in New York on November 10th. The AICF Board of Directors met on Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to discuss the recent natural disasters and their potential impact on the AICF’s fundraising activities. There appears to be some shift in donor gifts, basically towards relief efforts in the gulf coast, however, we (AICF) need to continue to carve out the niche that is unique to the ACIF and the tribal college movement. The AIHEC financial audits also surfaced and the Board members who raised the concern were made aware of the AIHEC Board’s stand on this matter. The AICF Board also moved to establish the RC Gorman Scholarship Fund whereby the funds deriving from the sale of the RC Gorman, Homage to Spider Woman Pendleton robe will fund this special scholarship. Furthermore, the AICF Board established a $10,000 endowment fund for this purpose.
The College invited and covered expenses for the current Miss Navajo Nation, Ms. Rachelle James, a Diné College graduate and former recipient of the AICF scholarship. Furthermore, the Navajo Code Talkers were honored at the Gala along with Jessica Lynch and the family of the late Lori Piestewa. Mr. R. Carlos Nakai and Kris Kristofferson provided the entertainment for the event. It was a success!
College Board
The Diné College is the first tribally-controlled educational institution that has representation on the distinguished College Board of Trustees. Diné College has become a member of the College Board recently since we are users of the Accuplacer placement test. As a tribal college we maintain a unique network that the College Board wants to serve. Essentially the College Board administers the SAT exam for college entrance requirements. The College Board provides services beyond the SAT and Accuplacer, including a Pre-SAT program, a Spring Board program, AP courses and programs, which also lead to the National Merit Scholarship. As a member of the Board of Trustees, Diné College urges other tribal colleges as well as high schools operating on the Navajo Nation to consider the SAT and other College Board services.
The development of an American Indian component has never been considered at the College Board, but now there are opportunities that are available. Several American Indians attended the College Board Forum, a conference held at the end of October in New York City that attracted over 3,000 participants.
Mr. Gaston Caperton, Executive Director of the College Board wishes to visit the Navajo Nation in the near future to become aware and understand the unique history, culture, and educational system on the Navajo Nation. Furthermore, other members of the College Board of Trustees expressed interest in having Diné College host a spring/summer 2006 event here on Navajo land.
Fort Lewis College
On October 21 & 22, 2005, Dean Benally of Shiprock and myself met with President Barlett of Fort Lewis College to discuss some concerns we have, including the Navajo Language courses that is being taught through their teacher education program as well as the proficiency exam that they administer. They deny that such activity occurred; however, the concerns that were raised by Regent Leland Leonard, as the Executive Director of the Division of Diné Education, this past summer over the proficiency testing led us to think otherwise. Nevertheless, our goal was to revisit the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that was established in the early 1990s through the teacher education consortium, which has since expired, but the relationship with the Fort Lewis College continues. For example, they offer education and Navajo language courses at Shiprock. Diné College goal is to assure that our Navajo Language and Culture courses are transferred and accepted along with the General Education program at Fort Lewis College. This applies to all Arizona and New Mexico colleges and universities, including, San Juan College, the University of New Mexico, to name a few.
On October 22nd, Fort Lewis College President Bartlett invited me and former Navajo Nation Chairman and President, now Special Assistant to the Arizona State University president, Dr. Peterson Zah, to serve as members of the Fort Lewis College American Indian Studies program. Fort Lewis College’s effort to establish such a program is consistent with their charter and is a trend throughout the United States which further underscores our goal to develop and offer our own Diné Studies bachelor’s degree. A Navajo language component was incorporated into their degree program and we urge that such a course must be legitimate.
University of New Mexico
At a September 7th Summit on Tribal Higher Education at the University of New Mexico (UNM), Regent Leonard, Mr. Elmer Guy of CIT and me represented the Navajo Nation. As a result of the Summit, various UNM programs, including public health, education, and the American Indian Studies program expressed interest to forge partnerships with Diné College. Some prior partnerships were spoken of, however, renewed interest in working with Diné College as well as other tribal colleges is creating new opportunities for partnership. UNM still very much wants to meet with NM Tribal College Presidents this fall and we're trying to finalize potential dates for what we anticipate will be a full-day meeting. The meeting will be either December 14th, 16th, 19th or the 21st? Like all the regional colleges and universities which surround the Navajo Nation, Diné College wishes to work on one area/person of contact from each educational institution.
Our goal is to ask for their partnership based on our efforts, rather than being reactive to request from outside entities. We realize we cannot address all the educational needs on the Navajo Nation, but we plan to strengthen our programs while concurrently forging partnerships with other higher educational institutions.
Northland Pioneer College
Dr. Richard Fleming resigned at President of Northland Pioneer College (NPC) several months ago. Former president, Dr. Gary Passer, is the acting president. NPC and DC were attempting to partner in Kayenta, but that will be delayed. NPC remains a potential partner and we will continue to communicate our interest with President Passer.
Crownpoint Institute of Technology
A meeting with President Jim Tutt and Vice President Elmer Guy of CIT was held on October 29th at the Shiprock DC campus. Dean Benally, staff member, Thomas Bennett from the placement testing/Adult Basic Education office, Patrick Sandoval from the Crownpoint DC campus, and myself met with CIT officials to discuss the expired Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and potential sharing of resources, facilities, and other collaborative efforts, i.e., lottery scholarship, articulation of programs/courses, etc. Another major item that was discussed was the opportunity for Diné College and CIT to provide training opportunities for Workforce Development needs from the four-corners’ power plant companies, as well as training needs presented by Raytheon.
Raytheon
Mr. Robert Joe, Executive Director of the Raytheon Office at the Navajo Agriculture and Produce Industry (NAPI) Plant, Mrs. Carole Holyan, Human Resources Specialist from the Tucson Raytheon Office expressed interest in having Diné College provide a curriculum to train the Navajo staff employed at the NAPI-Raytheon plant. Vice President Keith, Dean Benally, Staff member Thomas Bennett, met with Mr. Joe and Mrs. Holyan at least three times over the past two months to discuss the training opportunities. Mr. Bennett has developed a Business Survey for Raytheon employees to complete to determine level of employment, education attained, employment interest, and future academic goals. Based on results of the survey, Diné College will develop a training module, or better yet offer courses already within our curriculum, to Raytheon staff. The development of critical, analytical, and decision-making skills are at the forefront of the needs that were mentioned. Furthermore, janitorial and computer technical skills development serve as the range for staff development. As a result, we determined that Diné College does not have the vocational and technical expertise to address Raytheon’s multiple needs, and therefore required us to call upon CIT as well as Pima Community College to meet with us to develop training programs for Raytheon. This will assist our effort to develop a training program for the Arizona Public Service, Four Corners Power Plan, BHP, Peabody Coal, and other training and employment entities on and off the Navajo Nation.
Additionally, this caused Vice President Keith and my office to reconsider the Continuing Education/Distance Education position, which has not been filled for nearly two years to be redeveloped to a Continuing Education/Workforce Development focus.