"AMERICAN INDIAN STUDIES: MISSION, VISION, and CORE VALUES"

Welcome from K. Tsianina Lomawaima, Head June 20, 2007

American Indian Studies at the University of Arizona is a community of diverse individuals, with shared and disparate interests. We are students, faculty, and staff; we are American Indian/Alaska Native, Canadian First Nations, and non-Native from the Americas and beyond; we are administrators, creative artists, public educators, researchers, scholars, and writers; we are teachers, students, and lifelong learners. From many different backgrounds and perspectives, we gathered to articulate the values, goals, and ideals expressed in the governing statements that follow. These statements were crafted over a year-long process of conversation and debate that invited the participation of all students, staff, and faculty.

The inspirational poem that introduces our statements was spoken by its author, Professor Luci Tapahonso, to open and bless a faculty retreat. The statements of Vision, Mission, and Core Values presented here offer a distillation of our shared commitments. To learn more about the dazzling variety of ways in which members of our AIS community theorize, write, practice, and implement these values, goals, and ideals in teaching & learning, community outreach, scholarship, and life, please contact us. Visit with us. Join us.

  Beads of Knowledge

We gather in gratitude for all aspects of sacredness: the air, the warmth of fire, bodies of water, plants, the land, and all animals and humankind.

May we remember that holiness exists in the ordinary elements of our lives.

We are grateful for a homeland that has always thrived on a glorious array of people and their diverse cultures, histories, and beliefs.

May we always cherish our ancestors as we prepare for the semesters ahead.

We are blessed with distinct and melodious tongues.  Our languages are radiant treasures of stories, songs, ceremonies, and memories.

May the words we speak go forth as bright beads of comfort, joy, humor, and inspiration.

Today we reflect a rainbow of creation:
Some of us came from the east where bright crystals of creativity reside. 
They are the white streaks of early morning light when all is born again.

Those who came from the south embody the strength of the blue mountains
that encircle us.  They are filled with vigorous spirit of youthful learning.

Some came from the west; they are imbued with the quiet, yellow glow of dusk.
They help us to achieve our life’s goals.  They teach us to value our families.

The ones from the north bring the deep, restorative powers of night’s darkness;
Their presence renews us. They teach us that though the past may be fraught with sorrow,
It was strengthened by the prayers of our forbearers.

May we always recognize the multitude of gifts that surround us.
May our homes, department, and classrooms be filled with the wisdom and optimism
That reflects a generous spirit.

We are grateful for all blessings, seen and unseen.

May we fulfill the lives envisioned for us at our birth.  May we honor our students.  May we realize that our actions affect all people and the earth.  May we live in the way of beauty, and help others in need.  May we always remember that we were created as one people..

                                                                                                      ©  Luci Tapahonso


American Indian Studies Vision Statement

The American Indian Studies Program promotes an enhanced interdisciplinary understanding of sovereign and distinct American Indian/Alaska Native peoples. 
We honor Native knowledge with integrity, respect, and collaboration.

American Indian Studies Mission

American Indian Studies seeks to develop a strong understanding of the languages, cultures, and sovereignty of American Indians/Alaska Natives, which honors our ancestors and their wisdom.

American Indian Studies maintains productive scholarship, teaching, research, and community development; and provides unique opportunities for students and scholars to explore issues from American Indian perspectives which place the land, its history and the people at the center.

American Indian Studies promotes Indian self-determination, self-governance, and strong leadership as defined by Indian nations, tribes, and communities, all of which originated from the enduring beliefs and philosophies of our ancestors.

Core Values

Excellence
To foster intellectual growth and uphold rigorous standards in academic and professional work

Integrity
To be honest, ethical, and accountable for one’s actions, while maintaining academic freedom

Respect
To hold in high esteem the diversity and value of all individuals

Native knowledge
To appreciate and enhance Native cultures, traditions, languages, and ceremonies

Collaboration
Faculty and students working in partnership with University American Indian programs, and American Indian/Alaska Native Nations and communities.

Below are members of the AIS faculty, staff and student body that helped to create the AIS Mission, Vission and Core Values.

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