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Training and LeadershipMentoring Passing on Tradition is a mentoring program for Native Girls by Native Women. Mentoring is a contemporary term, but American Indians and Alaska Natives have taught their values, customs, and skills through observation and hands-on activities since time immemorial. Historically, the matrilineal structure of many tribes revered women as the givers of life who taught youth their roles and the expectations for behavior in tribal societies. Today, at a time when such guidelines are needed more than ever for Native youth to excel and even to survive in unhealthy homes, such constructive exampling is often absent. In the NIWHRC program called, Passing on Tradition, Indian women from tribal communities across the country were recruited and trained in mentoring protocol. Each then taught traditional skills from their own tribal history and the leadership skills that are needed for today's demanding world to one Native girl from their community. The girls who have participated in this program range from the fifth grade to second year in college. Blending traditional heritage with modern leadership skills helped to build a group of resilient young Native women who have learned how to address important issues, not only in their own lives, but in the lives of their families and their tribes as well. Elder Native women were also positively impacted. By sharing their stories, their work skills, and especially their traditional knowledge, their worth as older women in the community was reinforced. As a result, most of the women involved have chosen, like June Hamilton, to continue their mentor relationship, "as long as my mentee wants to." The NIWHRC staff are available to assist communities that are interested in setting up a mentoring program.
228 S. Muskogee Avenue Tahlequah, OK 74464 |
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