USA to Teach Native American Culture

Описание: When you think of Native Americans, men in feathered headdress doing cultural dances might be the image that comes to mind. That would be the Pow Wow. Here in South Alabama, that annual Thanksgiving celebration in the only time many of us connect with the state's Native American community, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.And if you'd care to learn more (and there is so much more to learn), you could travel to the Poarch Band's own cultural and history museum near Atmore.But if you wanted to educate yourself beyond that, few choices exist.Until today...It's a monumental time for the tribe, said Robert McGhee.McGhee is treasurer for the Poarch Band of the Creek Indians. He's also a descendant of Chief Calvin McGhee, the first official leader of the unified tribe after it's recognition by the federal government.And Friday, he watched as the University of South Alabama announced a new studies program dedicated to the education of history and culture of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.I think it's one of those thing we need to start educating the individuals of Alabama, he said, proudly, not just about the Poarch Band of the Creek Indians, but just the impact Native Americans have had on the state of Alabama.But creating a studies program and endowment like this isn't cheap. That's why half a million dollars has been donated to establish the program... donated, by the tribe itself.It was a tribal council decision, said McGhee. It was one of those things we always wanted to give back to the community and the state of Alabama.For the university, the donation allows students to study a different culture and nation that literally exists right next door.The Poarch creek band of Indians has its own unique customs, language and history, said Dr. Philip Carr, professor of Anthropology at USA.And it's not well known. And this gives us an opportunity to form a partnership, and a real win-win for the university and the Poarch band.McGhee agrees.We're very pleased, he said. It's one of those things my great grandfather was always encouraging everybody to do, get an education.The new Native American Studies Program will be the only such program in the state of Alabama.