Classes aim to preserve urban Indians' heritage (fwd link)

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July 5, 2009 12:22 p.m. PT

Classes aim to preserve urban Indians' heritage

By HEATHER CLARK
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- When Brittany Arviso was old enough to take part in a
Navajo coming-of-age ceremony, her family grappled with the preparations. Not
knowing where to find some of the items for the ceremony, they turned to her
grandparents for help.

Her father and grandfather went up into the mountains to get some plants and
other things for the four-day ceremony.

But there was one thing that 12-year-old Brittany didn't have and wished she did
had - knowing more of her native language so she could better understand the
ceremony.

"If I had been able to speak and understand a little language, it would have
been easier and more helpful," she said.

Her parents hope that a new Navajo language summer school offered by Albuquerque
Public Schools this year will eventually help her learn more about her culture
and language. Her 10-year-old brother, Lucas, is in the classes, and Brittany
may be able to join next year if the program is expanded.

Access full article below:
http://www.seattlepi.com/local/6420ap_nm_indians_summer_school.html