Spring Break
Aiding the invisible
Augusta Liddic Staff Writer
Issue date: 6/19/09 Section: NEWS
Allen's work helped bring the tribe, which has about 300 members, to the top of the list for consideration by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Once they attain recognition, they will be able to receive certain benefits that are allocated for American Indians as well as monetary benefits that will help the tribe fund educational programs, healthcare programs and help develop a language program that will preserve and educate subsequent generations about the tribe's native language.
Allen said there is also an element of prestige in being recognized.
"Essentially being unrecognized is being invisible," Allen said.
This summer Allen plans to return to Las Cruses to research community continuity and identity issues the tribe has faced.
"The thing that was impressed upon me the most was the endurance of a people who have been subject to centuries of repression," Allen said. "They have been able to maintain a vibrant culture and community in the face of diaspora."
Allen plans to continue her work with American Indian tribes while working on her degree.
"I couldn't have planned a better project," Allen said. "I have all these wonderful people in my life now. The tribe members are very gracious people. They have been really welcoming and really open to having me work with them."
Once they attain recognition, they will be able to receive certain benefits that are allocated for American Indians as well as monetary benefits that will help the tribe fund educational programs, healthcare programs and help develop a language program that will preserve and educate subsequent generations about the tribe's native language.
Allen said there is also an element of prestige in being recognized.
"Essentially being unrecognized is being invisible," Allen said.
This summer Allen plans to return to Las Cruses to research community continuity and identity issues the tribe has faced.
"The thing that was impressed upon me the most was the endurance of a people who have been subject to centuries of repression," Allen said. "They have been able to maintain a vibrant culture and community in the face of diaspora."
Allen plans to continue her work with American Indian tribes while working on her degree.
"I couldn't have planned a better project," Allen said. "I have all these wonderful people in my life now. The tribe members are very gracious people. They have been really welcoming and really open to having me work with them."
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 3
Marc Severson
posted 6/22/09 @ 7:48 PM CST
Great story but who does your editing?? RECIEVING?? As both an archaeologist and a school teacher I find this very disturbing.
Marc Severson
Morgan Rieder
posted 6/22/09 @ 8:23 PM CST
Staff writers should learn how to spell before they start writing. It's "Las Cruces," not "Las Cruces."
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