The Museum's mission is to advance and share the experience and knowledge of what has happened in the past and what this has meant for Native peoples today; to preserve the memory of those who died or suffered; to offer comfort, support, encouragement and understanding; and to encourage its visitors to reflect upon the need for dignity of, and respect among all peoples.
You are invited to explore this Virtual Museum at your leisure and visit us frequently.
Personal Testimonies by Yagniza:
Introduction Career_Day Contemporary_Native_American_Issues Cultural_Racism My_Journey The_Amphitheater The_Designer The_Sacred_Trust Notes_on_Navajo History Racism_Institute Spanish_Poetry El_Cuartocentenario El_Inca_ Garcilaso_de_la_Vega The_Best_Is_Yet_To_Come
Otoe-Missouria Tribe Summer Youth Program Presentation
My family's story as told by me and my two college graduate sons that participate in the presentation: young, single parent attending undergraduate, graduate and law school at the University of Denver with elementary age children.
Emphasized importance of culture and history and how important it is. I explained how we as Native Americans have lost that knowledge along the way and why it's important to reclaim it. It raises self-esteem - not only esteem of self, but of family and community also.
Emphasized importance of education and encouraged teenagers to stay in school.
Challenged teens to look at their environment to see what they personally can contribute.
Emphasized importance of not letting what other people think of them or how they treat them determine their value. There is so much discrimination in our society it's important for them to have a strong sense of self.
There can be such despair in Native American communities today and I try to share my story and background of poverty and family dysfunction to show them they can survive and to not let 'stuff' get in their way.
Watch video "In the White Man's Image."