FOR THE CAUSE

The Native American Sports Council's (NASC) mission is to promote athletic excellence and wellness in Native American communities through sports and wellness programs. The NASC believes that these sports and programs will assist Native communities on their recovery and journeys to wholeness. The sports and wellness programs combine traditional Native American values with those of modern Olympics. History shows that many modern team sports were derived from traditional Native games. History does not show, however, that Native American games taught personal and social values and traditional ceremonies which were a curriculum for their way of life. That way of life depended on each generation to learn the values and personal qualities, handed down to them such as honesty, courage, respect, personal excellence, gratitude for the guidance of parents, elders, and community leaders, and to serve when called.

Over 700 Native American athletes and coaches, representing 63 Indian communities, have participated in NASC sports development programs, which include training camps in handball, baseball, track and field, cycling, archery, wrestling, and shooting. These programs give Native American athletes an opportunity to participate in multi-sport programs and for the NASC a chance to identify potentially elite athletes for Olympic competition.

In 1996, the NASC supported eight Native American Olympic hopefuls as they competed to qualify for the Centennial Games in Atlanta. Contributions to this wonderful organization would be greatly appreciated.

Native American Sports Council
1765 South 8th Street, Bldg. T
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
phone: 719-632-5282
web site: www.nascsports.org

Many folks have asked me about programs on the Blackfeet Reservation that are promoting cultural awareness. Here's another one I think is doing a great job.

The Blackfeet Buffalo Horse Coalition (BBHC) is dedicated to preserving and perpetuating an endangered breed of horse, the Spanish Mustang/Buffalo Runner, which is culturally and spiritually important to the Blackfeet.
The Blackfeet Spanish Mustangs are direct descendants of the horses brought to North America by Spaniards. In the early 1700s, the Blackfeet acquired these mounts, which are noted for speed and endurance. They quickly became excellent buffalo ponies and revolutionized Plains Indian culture. In the aftermath of the Indian wars of the 1870s, these prized steeds disappeared from the Blackfeet Country.
The BBHC has worked diligently to restore the circle by returning these living symbols of the Indian culture to their home on the Blackfeet Reservation.
In additional to breeding and maintaining a viable population of these magnificent creatures, the BBHC is working to ensure that future generations of Blackfeet are introduced to this "power" animal.
Working hand in hand with the County Extension Agent, the BBHC has helped form a 4-H Horse Club. Each meeting of the club involves a workshop, presentation or interaction with the horses. By allowing these young people to work with, be responsible for, and develop relationships with horses, the BBHC is dedicated to delivering drug, alcohol and violence free youngsters within the Blackfeet society.
The BBHC was especially hard hit two winters ago when record snowfalls resulted in enormous food and vet bills. Any help is greatly appreciated.

For more information, contact: Blackfeet Buffalo Horse Coalition, P.O. Box 1832, Browning, MT 59417

Another organization which Jack strongly supports is the Red Feather Development Group, (www.redfeather.org).  

Here is a short excerpt from their web site:

"Of the 2,500,000 tribal members who live on our nation's American Indian reservations, over 300,000 are homeless or live in substandard, life-threatening conditions.  Red Feather Development Group focuses the public's eye on the poverty and desperate housing problems that have plagued American Indian reservations for generations.  Red Feather raises funds and organizes volunteers to build desperately needed homes within reservation communities, while educating and empowering tribal members to create long-term, sustainable solutions for their needs. ..."