It's Dells, dude, for Sandia

[Hishinlai']

Wow! This might be a very energetic focus for the casino, but I think it will
also be an equally (maybe) daunting move to provide the training. I remember
about thirteen years ago (when I first became affiliated with a university), I
didn't even know how to turn on a computer, let alone know how to navigate
around a word processor! It leads me to wonder if this idea came from the
Pueblo community, and also how they will incorporate language revitalization
into homes via the computer? Language certainly isn't static now...is it?

>===== Original Message From Indigenous Languages and Technology
<ILAT at LISTSERV.ARIZONA.EDU> =====
>It's Dells, dude, for Sandia
>http://www.abqtrib.com/archives/news03/072403_news_sandia.shtml
>
> By Ailene Torres
> Tribune Reporter
>
> Close to home, far from ordinary, the casino advertising says.
>
> Sandia Pueblo council members are attempting to live up to that slogan
>by donating a new computer to each household on its pueblo.
>
> "The council is committed to education and the continued learning of
>our people," said Pueblo Governor Stuwart Paisano. "We look for ways to
>give back to the community that will benefit all members in a positive
>way."
>
> It's not every day a business donates more than 100 computers and
>related equipment to its community.
>
> But today is different, and Sandia Casino is not the average business.
>
> Sandia Pueblo's 16-member tribal council today will distribute to all
>135 households on the pueblo a new Dell computer, flat screen monitor
>and laser jet printer. The computers and training classes on how to use
>them are funded by gaming revenues earned through the pueblo's main
>source of income: Sandia Casino.
>
> The casino is owned and operated by the pueblo's tribal council, the
>governing body for all 481 members that reside on its land.
>
> Paisano said the idea of donating computers to the entire pueblo came
>from a visit to New Mexico by President Clinton in April 2000. Clinton
>noted that many residents in the Navajo Nation lacked basic
>technological items most American families possess, such as telephones,
>and were close to what he termed "the digital divide."
>
> As Sandia continues to search for ways to enrich the community from its
>businesses, they decided technology would be ideal gift for those who
>live on the pueblo, he said.
>
> "It's a very powerful tool," Paisano said.
>
> He said computers are essential if members want to be competitive in
>today's job market, Paisano said.
>
> "I continue to be proud of the council's commitment. . . . I'm glad
>they are providing the necessary tools the members need to survive in
>the world of technology," Paisano said.
>
> The machines also will be a means to ensure the continuity of the
>pueblo's native dialect - Tiwa - to the next generation.
>
> The pueblo teaches their young members the language and provides study
>materials on CD-ROM and DVD. Although the Learning Resource Center,
>which is located on the pueblo, is open to all members, it can be
>inconvenient to go there and check e-mails, write resumes or study
>Tiwa, say pueblo residents.
>
> "The computers will be used to teach and preserve our language,"
>Paisano said. "If members don't have that technology they will be at a
>disadvantage."
>
> Aaron Chavez, a pueblo resident and father of four children, three of
>whom are school age, said he is grateful for the gift.
>
> "Not having to go down to the Learning Resource Center will save a lot
>of time," Chavez said. "It will be of great use and make me more
>productive."
>
> Chavez said the tool will be an enormous aid to his children for their
>school work.
>
> "Having these things on a daily basis makes it easier," Chavez said.
>"It enhances our ability to survive in the world."
>
> An assessment for the types of training needed will be determined after
>each member receives their computer. For those not physically able to
>collect their machines, deliveries will be arranged, Paisano said. All
>training will be free.
>
> Pueblo officials will also act as a liaison between members and Dell
>when technical issues arise, he said.
>
> "All they will have to do is call us," Paisano said. "And we will
>contact Dell, and help them any way we can."
>
> The council takes the responsibility of taking care of their people and
>community very seriously, Paisano said. The pueblo will continue to
>deliver computers to each household including those who move in after
>today, he said.
>
> "Giving back to the community is an idea which is embedded in the
>hearts and minds of the tribal council," Paisano said.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Hishinlai'
"Kathy R. Sikorski", Gwich'in Instructor
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Alaska Native Language Center
P. O. Box 757680
Fairbanks, AK  99775-7680
P (907) 474-7875
F (907) 474-7876
E fnkrs at uaf.edu
ANLC-L at www.uaf.edu/anlc/

Hah! Nakhweet'ihthan t'ihch'yaa!