Deseret News | Reader comments: Closing the gap: Heritage helping raise Native American students' self-esteem

Reader comments
Closing the gap

THEeyepatch | 5:31 a.m. March 10, 2009

After 200 years of third rate citizens. Make us proud!

jr | 7:06 a.m. March 10, 2009

Sad that a group of people have been so displaced and treated as less than humans by the Christians who stole their land and have treated them with little respect for so many years.
The native indian should walk with his shoulders straignt and be proud of his heritage and being.
God Bless the native indian that he be recognized as a human being with intelligence, character and much talent

MARV HALL | 8:10 a.m. March 10, 2009

My wife and I were attending a basketball camp at Page Arizona last June. Our team was playing a team from Monument Valley. During the game we visited with the parents of two of the players on the Monument Valley team. As soon as the game was over the two young boys came up the bleachers to where their parents were and with great confidence introduced themselves to us. My wife and I talked later about how great this was. We could not picture one of our hometown boys being so bold and self confident at such a young age.

The Navajo people are surging forward rapidly.

Comments continue below

Whiggy | 8:19 a.m. March 10, 2009

The legislature must provide adequate funding for services to Native Americans. This group of citizens has been marginalized by the government for far too long.

Craig J | 9:07 a.m. March 10, 2009

Maybe it's just me, but I personally feel that our Native American brothers and sisters just might be the key to our country's viability. They've been relegated to third class status for way too long, and they deserve every opportunity to become the positive force that we as a nation so badly need.

I find it so sad that politicians will go after so many minority groups for their favor, but you never hear Presidential candidates, or Senators talking to the tribal nations. How sad indeed. (I believe tribal sovereignty may be a factor, but I don't know).

My personal life was forever changed, when at age eighteen I met a young Navajo girl who became one of the most profound influences in my life. She personified just how great the Navajo nation (and all other Native Americans) truly is. We need to recognize all of them for their contributions to this country.

Just my two cents worth this morning. Y'all have a good day.

RE: Whiggy | 9:12 a.m. March 10, 2009

The legislature does not have the money to fund Native American services. They choose rather to fund illegal immigrants from across the border instead.

Cool Story | 9:52 a.m. March 10, 2009

Way to go Nebo & San Juan School disticts! This is one program that I think all could support, especially when seeing such fantastic results.
The Native Nations need to feel and see pride in who they are and where they are going, as fellow Utahns we need to support these efforts

Native father | 11:02 a.m. March 10, 2009

I have the privilege of claiming two native state wrestling champions in the state of utah with in the last three years..that in itself is unique..also my daughter was awarded the Gates Mellenium scholarship as well as others in the future..it will cover up to the Doctorate level= $500,000..I would just like to thank the San Juan School District , all the workers, bus drivers , teachers and Administrators for their ability to support and listen when needed because it is only through communication on both sides that the term "it takes a community to raise a child" becomes a reality ...again thank you, especially Blanding!!! You have to see the invisible to do the impossible!! the sidster

Anonymous | 11:31 a.m. March 10, 2009

In a law-of-the-land society, it's only a matter of time before the Native Americans legally get back the land that was illegally taken from them.

Just a matter of time.

Anonymous | 4:10 p.m. March 10, 2009

American Indians are people who have amazing survival skills. Most of the small percentage that are left become very strong and resilient once they find who they are. There is no match to what they have been put through as a whole and are still going through. I would suggest that as the non-Indian people begin to see their empire crumble, they might take note of how these people have survived because our time is coming to take our licking. I would suggest we do everything we can to support these people because the wheel can turn faster than we think.

Navajo Grandma - Shi Nali | 6:33 p.m. March 10, 2009

What beautiful pictures and story. I am very proud of my two Nali's pictured here. Navajo history, culture, and religion is extremely important in the lives of young native youth. My grandchildren come home to the reservation often to participate in home duties as sheepherding, and religious ceremonies. Even in ceremonies education and spirituality is strongly encouraged.

Native Youth, we believe in you! Continue to study hard take education to the next level. You are our future leaders. Make the Spirit of the Holy Ones be at your side always. Hugs/Kisses, Proud Grandma

Never Give Up | 10:37 p.m. March 10, 2009

We have raised three children who excelled in high school because we as parents took time, energy and money to support them in all of their activities. They are probably the only Navajos from their school to score very high on the ACT, serve as student officers, participate in sports, chosen as sterling scholars and graduate with high GPA's in a predominate Anglo high school. The secret ingredient was reading to them when they were very young, helping them with homework and supporting them. I would like to see more resources to support those going to college-there are not enough scholarships available so that excellent students can achieve their potential. If anyone knows of scholarships out there to help Native students please share. Going to school in SLC is very expensive and most Native students fail because they are not able to pay their living expenses and their tuition. Most end up going home because they cannot make it without resources and their support systems. Thanks to those in the story and also to the many Native American educators in the entire state who never get the recognition they deserve. Thank you.

Jennifer from Page | 12:26 p.m. March 11, 2009

Reading about the success of the NEBO program and Native language classes is such a blessing to read. There are a lot of displaced youth who have no sense of identity and it is good to know they have programs to help guide them to a better understanding of culture and language. I'm very proud of my aunt, Eileen, and all of her co-workers with all that they have done at NEBO. I've heard first-hand about the success of this program since it started and I just wish there were more programs like this on the Navajo reservation. Keep it up and way to go!

Richard and Verona Rogers | 10:15 p.m. March 19, 2009

The Nebo School District, and those others who profit from the example of the Nebo District, are very fortunate to have Eileen Quintana to help devise and implement the Native American Culture programs. We have known Eileen for many years and she is the best. Congratulations to her for her great accomplishments. She has truly made, and continues to make, a great difference.

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