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American Indians. We did not inherit the Earth from our ancestors. We are borrowing it from our children. Chief Seattle. Stereotypes & Myths. American Indian cultures are vanishing relics of the past Sports-team mascots & logos honor American Indians’ place in history
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American Indians We did not inherit the Earth from our ancestors. We are borrowing it from our children. Chief Seattle
Stereotypes & Myths • American Indian cultures are vanishing relics of the past • Sports-team mascots & logos honor American Indians’ place in history • Indian theme programs pay homage to American Indian traditions • American Indians are lazy and won’t work • My American Indian coworker is an expert on Indian lore
Past Connections • The American Indian existed 20,000 – 30,000 years ago • Architecture unexcelled, accurate calendar, used zero in mathematics before the Arabs • In the tribal structure, authority rested in a group rather than an individual • Superior medical system
Current Profile • 1.5 percent of American population • Young population and growing • 60% under 19 / Median age 28 • 558 active tribes • Cherokee and Navajo most populous • 45 % reservations / 55% in urban areas • California, Oklahoma & Arizona • Greatest concentration in Four Corners area- Arizona, Colorado, N. Mexico & Utah
Demographic Problems • Poverty rate is 26% • 50 – 75% on some reservations • Casino Gambling • Fewer than 5% of tribes receive significant casino revenues • Health Problems/Life Expectancy • 578% alcoholism • 475% tuberculosis • 231% diabetes • Life Expectancy - Rivals 3rd World Countries
Indian Worldview • Holistic View • All things in the world are connected • Cooperative Harmony with Nature • Indian spirituality demands respect for the natural world • Time is Cyclical • Nature’s cycles & processes
American Indian Values • People are basically good • Group first: while respecting individual views • Personal relationships: Sharing & Helping • Self-Expression Mode: Doing • Long Range Planning
Leadership Challenges • Move beyond stereotypes • Avoid giving “undue” praise • If undeserved, praise may be perceived as an insult • Express respect & confer dignity • Giving dignity encourages individuals to deserve the praise they receive
Leadership Opportunities • Understanding Environmentalism and Sustainable practices • Maintaining Life-Long Relationships • A “Doing” Orientation • Leadership Approach