"We need to put our tomahawks away. We need to work together as a community of scholars, of engineers and of scientistsWe need to survive the pressures of all the things that are happening in this country. For the survival of the Native American we need community. We need to work together for the benefit of our people and our elders."

- Dr. Fred Begay, Navajo, 1992

Helping the People Through
Self-Reliance and Partnering

by Kiutus Tecumseh

In recent years, Indian tribes have worked hard to obtain better educational and economic opportunities for their members. This cause has dictated that Indian people help one another and that they seek the help of both non-Indian and Indian business, governmental, and political allies. A shining example of working together would be the recent recognition of the Snoqualmie Tribal Organization located in Western Washington. U.S. District Judge George Boldt had stripped the tribe of recognition in 1974. This small but dedicated tribe formed many American Indian and non-Indian alliances and was able to finally regain its rightful place as the most recent federally recognized tribe.

As a small child I remember my father telling me, my sisters and brother: "If you want it done right, do it yourself." I have found that there are times when this practice will not work. Now, more than ever as we enter the new century, it will be necessary for indigenous people to form alliances and work on issues that will benefit the people and the seven generations. In my own personal journey, I have helped Indian causes by serving as chairman of the New Mexico Indian Education Advisory Council to the state school board and as the vice-chair of the New Mexico American Indian Chamber of Commerce. These duties have enabled me to work with others in facilitating positive changes for both urban Indians and reservation Indians. I have learned that the best way to solve problems is to combine self-reliance with an openness to partner and share expertise.

In the past, Indian people have risen through this process of sharing. If we continue to develop and empower people, we will go on to share and empower others and the benefits will be felt by all. We must ask ourselves, "Do I want to be a positive part of this process or part of the problem? How can we help one another?" We must put aside our biases and stop the blaming and finger-pointing. We must learn to express ourselves and get involved.

Sometimes it's necessary to make unpopular alliances, to get in there with politicians and other people we might not like, but if we look at the big picture and do what is good for the people, we can effect change. There will be tough choices to make, there will be compromises, but when we as individuals achieve, all of our people achieve. Continue to ask, "What is good for the people and how can I help?"

Kiutus (Ki) Tecumseh, Winnebago/Meskwaki/Snoqualmie, is an AISES Sequoyah Fellow and a public affairs specialist for the Department of Energy, Albuquerque Operations Office.