Show Indian Club Not Native American Matt Baldwin Staff Writer Despite a change in name American Indian Club still carries the same purpose That is to provide educational and em emotional support while promoting social interaction of American Indian stu stu- stu- stu dents Although the aim of the club is focused on American Indian students the club is open to all students According to Tona Treetop American Indian Club advisor has around American Indian students Membership in the club varies from nom quarter to quarter On average 15 members take a avery avery avery very active part however many more show up and participate at numerous activities Treetop said Current membership represents five major American Indian tribes including Navajo Lakota Pima Pueblo and There is also one hispanic member According to Club Secretary Lisa Mattice this diversity provides for a lot of moral and educational support When we come together as different tribes we are equals We come together for friendship purposes purposes purposes pur pur- poses Mattice said She feels this level of support reflects high educational values and provides members with a stable support support support sup sup- port group In addition to impacting its members the American Indian Club has a positive impact on communication communication communication We wanted to promote a cation line between the college and Native American students Mattice said Its a necessary purpose especially to those for whom English is a second language Those unfamiliar with the American Indian Club may remember remember remember ber it by a different name The club has endured several name changes most recently being called the Native American Club According to Treetop it is left up to the club officers to choose a suitable suitable suitable suit suit- able name Therefore as the names of officers change 1 from om time to time so does the club name Current club president Thomasina Holly says the name was last changed to avoid confusion or association with the Native American Church NAC In light of recent trends toward politically correct terms she commented on whether an acceptable name does exist I would go with American Indian those Indian those born on the American continent are all aU native You dont don't have to be Indian to be native Holly said Given the diversity of the numerous numerous numerous numer numer- ous American Indian tribes finding a name suitable for everyone seems very difficult People would like to call us American Indians and place us all in one group Treetop said Each tribe is a separate and diverse group There is not a term conclusive to everyone Regardless of name the American Indian Club hopes to create create create cre cre- ate an increased cultural awareness throughout and their According to Holly and Mattice members go to local d elementary elementary ele ele- c- c schools to teach children about the American Indian culture through forms of dance music and by sharing personal insights The club also performs community service service service ser ser- ser ser- vice at the Indian Walk in Center in hi Salt Lake Future events and activities will help to promote cultural awareness A contest Pow Wow is being planned for sometime in February A Pow Wow is when several tribes come together for a social dance that reflects honor and pride An all an Indian basketball tournament is also being planned featuring teams from nom New Mexico Arizona Idaho Utah and Nevada |