"Why not? Why not an honor society for Indian people!" |
| My name is Frank C. Dukepoo. Among my Hopi people I go by Pu-mat- uh-ye Tsi Dukpuh. Through my father, the family name, Tsi Dukpuh, refers to the snake sacks carried by the Snake Dancers. 'Pumatuhye" was given to me by my mother Ella when I was initiated into manhood. After you plant, the first little ones that come up-that is pumatuhye.
For Hopis, it is "ka-Hopi" to brag. It is, however, expected that you speak the truth. So, it is true that I come from Sichomovi Village (First Mesa), Arizona. I am also the first member of my tribe to earn a Ph.D. (zoology, genetics), which I received from Arizona State University in 1973. At that time I was one of six other Indians who possessed a science doctorate. Now I understand there are two more. As far as I know. I am the only Indian geneticist.
Personally, I have been in the education business for 46 years, starting with first grade. Professionally, I have been in Indian education for the last 22. 1 have visited thousands of Native Americans from Fairbanks to Mexico City. In my travels on the "res" and "in town," much of what I heard was negative--high unemployment, poor health, death from accidents, suicides, and homicides (nearly all alcohol-related), and high dropout rates. I encountered many talkers but few doers. Occasionally, I met a few dedicated souls who were trying to improve the situation. Several of them were non-Indian.
In 1979, while unemployed in Washington, D.C., I prayed for a job as well as a way to help my people. Within a short time, I landed a job at the National Cancer Institute. On Sunday, October4, 1981, I was shown how to be of service. I'll never forget how something pulled |
me straight up and off the bed. Landing on my feet, I flicked on my lamp. It was exactly 4:00a.m. I reached for my pen and jotted: "Indians, education, success, happiness." I flicked off the light and went back to sleep.
At breakfast, I pondered the experience. Four days later, it came to me. "Why not? Why not an honor society for Indian people!" Bursting with excitement, I sought and was granted permission to present at a forthcoming conference. Loaded with more enthusiasm than members, I gave the presentation to one White woman in attendance.
Afterwards, I thanked her for coming. "I'm very, sorry," she lamented, patting me on the shoulder. "Thank you. I'm very excited," I encouraged her. "Excited?" she quizzed. "Yes," I said, "because next year if two people attend, we'll have grown 100 percent!"
I continued trying to garner enthusiasm, support, and members. Few were interested. In 1989, with the National Native American Honor Society nearly broke and defunct, I called a meeting to discuss strategies. Several people commented that the required 3.0 GPA was much too high. Their spokesman laid it on the fine: "Come on, Frank, vou ought to lower it to 2.0. After all, we are talking about Indian students." Outraged, I slammed my fist on the table and growled, "What an insult to Indian people. just for that, I'm going to raise it to 4.0 because I know they can do it!" The meeting ended as the scoffers filed out shaking their heads.
In 1990, we experimented with the 4.0 concept with resounding results in Oklahoma. Back in Arizona, |
we started with 100 students from 20 schools. By 1991, we had 500 members; in 1992, 700; and in 1993, 1200. We now have about 1400 members representing 190 elementary, secondary, and post-secondary institutions. We are extremely pleased with the growth of the Society and look forward to our first national meeting in 2000. Our goal is 30,000 members.
The Society's philosophy is holistic and incorporates ancient traditions, customs, and values from a number of tribes. We endeavor to recognize academic achievement and encourage an atmosphere in which students can become fit socially, mentally, physically, and spiritually. We also promote positive and constructive values so that others will foster personal commitments to education and high self-esteem. Members prefer not to think of themselves as a group of smart students, but rather as individuals who are doing something positive and worthwhile with their lives. They delight in sharing their gifts and talents and in helping others.
Membership is open to any student in fourth grade to graduate school who has earned a 4.0 semester anytime during his or her academic career. Students receive a certificate and an eagle pin. Members are also required to perform community service. Special membership is available to non- Indians.
The students' success is a tribute to Indian people. It is an example of what people can do if they believe in themselves, set high goals, work hard, and have an unfaltering faith in The Great Spirit.
Founder/Director, National Native American Honor Society |
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