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SUNNY Temp: 90 °F Wind: CLM at 0 mph Sunday, September 28, 2003 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA HomeLife Magazine Joy Magazine Tempo A & E RogueValleyAutoFinder RogueValleyHomeFinder Real Estate Showcase Wellness Connection Newspaper in Education Prime Times Outdoor Journal Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Employment Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend August 21, 2003 Richard �Peanut� Brown, 12, of Portland takes a closer look at a leaf during the plant identification section of the Cool Science for Curious Kids class Wednesday at Southern Oregon University. Mail Tribune / Bob Pennell Program creates an inerest in education Northwest Indian kids view college culture By BUFFY POLLOCK for the Mail Tribune American Indian children from across the Pacific Northwest got a glimpse of college life and a dose of culture this week during Southern Oregon University’s Konaway Nika Tillicum camp. In its eighth year, the weeklong residence camp is offered to kids in fifth through 10th grades from nine tribes throughout Oregon, Northern California, Washington and Canada. The program gives the youths a chance to explore a range of classes, lectures, cultural experiences and recreational activities with American Indian instructors and mentors. Konaway Nika Tillicum, which means "all my relations" in Chinook Jargon, is funded through student tuition and grants from the Cow Creek Foundation and the Oregon Community Foundation Howard Vollum grant. Advertisement Carol Jensen, director of Youth Programs at SOU, said the weeklong camp was developed after meeting in 1994 with tribal elders and youth about their concerns for the future. "What we found were that their two major concerns for their youth were a lack of interest in education and the fact that Native Americans had, and have, one of the highest (high school) dropout rates," Jensen said. "This program sort of demystifies college and encourages them to consider the educational and career possibilities offered by furthering their education. It shows them that yes, they can go to college, and that they can be anything they can dream up." For one 12-year-old with dreams of being a radiobiologist — or maybe a football player — a week of college life was eye opening. Richard "Peanut" Brown of Portland, a descendant of Blackfoot and Cherokee tribes, found his first look at college life to be fun and comfortable, thanks to the companionship of other American Indians. "I thought it was really cool we all got to be together," he said. "There’s been dancing, drums, classes. ... I think getting to see what college is like was really cool. "And it’s big. Really, really big. You had to walk like five minutes to get from one class to another. I didn’t know it was going to be so big." Takelma descendant and Siletz elder "Gramma Aggie" (Agnes Baker-Pilgrim) spent her week sharing stories, leading discussion groups on how to balance life between Indian and non-Indian worlds and teaching students how to make cultural jewelry. Baker-Pilgrim, who’s been a constant in the program, said the camp is "extremely important" for future American Indian leaders. "Most all of the young people who come through this program tell us they want to go on to college and it’s just so important to encourage them to do that," she said. "Blending a cultural experience with college can be very strengthening. It’s great to give them that kind of support and let them know there is a place they can be who they are." Another cultural presenter for the program for the past six years, Cherokee tribal member Tom Smith of White City said he felt honored and responsible to share his wisdom with younger generations. "These young people are our future and to be good leaders, they need to go to college and get a good education," he said. "They also need to know where they came from and need to know where they’re going." Isabel LaCourse, 15, a member of the Colville Confederated Tribes of northeast Washington, was proof the program was a success. "This is my fifth year," she said proudly. "It’s one of the best experiences I can get. I’ve gained a lot of self confidence and I’ve learned lessons I can take with me throughout life. "This program inspired me to go and be involved in my community, both Native and non-Native. I think I’d be a very different person and in a very different place if I hadn’t come here." For more information about the program, call 552-6326. On the Web: www.sou.edu/ecp/youth/konaway/ Buffy Pollock is a free-lance writer living in Medford. E-mail her at [email protected]. Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Rogue Valley Auto Finder Rogue Valley Job Finder --> Rogue Valley Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Real Estate Showcase Food for Thought Hike of the Week Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Openings Prime Times