Mission Statement
Our mission here at Journeys Into American Indian Territory is to bring an authentic Native American experience to children and adults alike, where ancient teachings meet the modern world.
With direct input from our Native friends, family, and board of advisors, we are able to create a bridge of understanding between American Indians and non-Indians. All programming is informed by our firsthand experience within Native communities. Through our continued interaction with members of various tribes and nations, we strive to maintain an indigenous voice throughout everything we present.
History of the Organization
Journeys Into American Indian Territory was created because of the deeply meaningful experiences Robert Vetter had while conducting anthropological fieldwork among Oklahoma's Comanche tribe as well as other tribes in the early 1980's. He was "adopted" by family members among several tribes, and felt personally transformed as a result of the lives and teachings they shared with him. Creating Journeys was a way Robert could share such experiences with other people, providing an opportunity for non-Indian people to step into a world that few outsiders ever see.
Why is this program relevant to students in the modern world?
While our programs all focus on Native American life, they connect with other themes of relevance to the education of our students. These connections include:
• Sustainability
Traditional Native American teachings such as the Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address and their concept of Seven Generation Thinking remind us to consider the impact our actions have on the natural environment and ultimately to all of humanity. Seven Generation Thinking is always asking the guiding question “What impact will my actions today have on my family members seven generations from now?” Asking our students to apply this level of thinking can provide optimism by giving them the gift of seeing the possibility to create a better future. A healthy system is possible if we understand that we are a part of a world in which we are all connected, and every action is important and worthy of reflection. Together we can make a difference.
• Character Education
All of our programs focus on the traditional Native American theme of respect and the importance of learning how to show it in order to receive it. Traditional stories teach positive character traits. In our Haudenosaunee government session, we examine the 10 character traits that their people used (and still use) to select a leader, and what those traits mean in leading a good life today in our society.
• Understanding History from Multiple Perspectives
• The Arts as Expressions of Culture
• Examining Another Culture On Its Own Terms