Guide to Erasing Racism Against Native Peoples

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

Margaret Mead

Educate Empower and Expose
In communities that have suffered extensive oppression, people can find it hard to believe that change can indeed happen.  However, there are places in this country where concerned and dedicated parents and community members have fought the battle and won.  It wasn't easy or quick, but the formula they used can be used anywhere.  All it takes is time and the willingness to stick it out, knowing that by doing so, the negative reaction by the nonnative community signals the beginning of a breakdown of a system that must be dismantled.

The first thing to consider is, what it is that you want to change. Your greatest desires for your children's education might include that they would go to a school where the information taught is relevant to them, that the texts and curriculum reflect your own truths, not only those of the people who have sought to oppress them for generations.  You probably want your child to attend a school where at least some the administration reflected their own culture, that role models of their own nation might be there in positions of authority as teachers, principals, or guidance counselors.  Children feel comforted by being around those they think will understand their own issues and concerns.   Children are more likely to seek help if there is someone in the school they feel will understand their unique problems and situations.  They will also be more likely to stay in school and graduate if there are people within the school that can relate to their concerns.

But perhaps most of all, your child should be treated in a respectful manner, in a way that shows them that who they are and what they can be is important.  Your children deserve to be in a place that believes in them as much as you do, that celebrates your child and culture in a way that will empower them to be and do whatever it is they choose to be or do.

Certainly any parent anywhere would want these things for their children.  The question is, how can we make this change happen in a community where racism has been allowed to flourish? This is where the education of the community begins, and once educated about the various methods used successfully by other schools, people can move on to the next stage.

Parental Involvement
In every school success story, there have been a small group of parents who made a commitment  to see this through to the end.  In places where these kinds of efforts have been successful, curriculum has been revised, Indian parents have influence with the school boards that listen, federal moneys that are to benefit their children are spent properly, and the children attend schools that support and encourage them.  Test grades have risen while drop out and expulsion rates have dropped. The power that this small group can wield, when they know their rights and how to exercise them, is substantial.

All it takes is a small group of parents who are willing to take complaints from parents whose children have suffered, and these complaints must be sent in as soon as the problem arises.  The more these complaints come in, the more the agencies will have to keep on top of them. But beyond the power of the agencies  must be the commitment of parents who are dedicated  to see that the children in their community enjoy the rights they are entitled  to.

Organize!!!
Many people are afraid to file their complaints for fear of retaliation or believe that nothing will be done anyway, whether they file or not.  Fear and ambivalence are the two most destructive emotions a community suffering discrimination can face.  Individuals may feel very vulnerable and worry that complaining will result in attacks by those who are already causing problems for their children.

It is important for people to recognize their own personal power to effect change. It is important to realize that when many complaints are filed against a single school, the school will be the one who is vulnerable. The administration can lose their jobs and the school can lose funding. Your complaints will be taken very seriously. With the power of the following agencies behind you, and with the issuance of press releases, you will see guilty teachers and administrators running like roaches after the light has been turned on. In every case where several complaints have been filed and it has been released to the media, there have been substantial changes made in the personnel of the school.

In the sections on the side panel you will find everything you need to file a complaint and you will learn ways to make your complaint stick.  If you have any questions or need any help filing your complaint, or if you would like us to review your complaint to make certain you have covered all the aspects of your issue in the best way to bring change, feel free to contact us at: ROSEPETL5@aol.com