College of Agriculture, University of Arizona,
Arizona Land and People, Vol. 47, Number 2
Diné CollegeThe newest Arizona land-grant college is part of The Navajo Nation in Tsaile, with branches in Chinle, Crownpoint, Ganado, Tuba City, Window Rock, and Shiprock, New Mexico. The former Navajo Community College was established in 1968, making it the country's oldest and largest tribally controlled college, according to College President Dr. Tommy H. Lewis. It was renamed Diné, which means "the people" in the Navajo language, when it became a land-grant college following 1994 federal mandates. The college integrates a traditional Navajo philosophy with Western teaching methods, says Secody Hubbard, Diné executive director of the Institute for Integrated Rural Development. "As new as Diné is, we have done a lot since 1994; we take a community-oriented attitude." The college works with the University of Arizona and several other universities through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). "We have so much to establish and accomplish, particularly a real partnership with the UA," Hubbard believes. In Shiprock, Diné students are preparing a demonstration and research project on farm water management. "We want to establish a network system that will continually reinforce our relationships with other land-grant universities, including the UA," Hubbard says. "We are pleased to be able to collaborate with Diné college in carrying out the land-grant mission of teaching, research and extension that is the hallmark of this system," says Eugene Sander, dean and vice provost, UA College of Agriculture. Ferlin Clark, Diné College vice president for development, says that both the UA and Diné are on the cutting edge of research, with this difference-Diné uses natural environment and ceremonial guidance. "The software resources we develop will be in the Navajo language." "Diné can provide a professional life for students," Clark states. "Serving the whole Navajo Nation is a huge, sometimes daunting, challenge. But we also challenge other land-grant universities. "As a native people, it's our turn to educate. All learning can't be linear and statistical; we need to introduce a spiritual tie to the land," Clark believes. The Challenge of the National Agricultural BudgetLand-grant universities face a challenge working under the new U.S. Department of Agriculture budget. I. Miley Gonzalez, USDA Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics, defines that challenge as making sure others, especially those in Congress, understand the importance of what these universities do. He also emphasized the need to form partnerships with other, more highly budgeted agencies. "We must send the message to federal government about our programs and their impact," Gonzalez says. "And, we will need local help; we need real examples. "Invite members of Congress to visit in communities so they can see results. Don't forget Congressional working staff. They have more time to interact with visitors, and they will make many of the final spending decisions." Gonzalez is particularly aware of the need to educate Congress about the importance of an adequate budget for Native American agricultural programs. Money for 1994 land-grant colleges is required, but they don't have sufficient capacity and resources to provide all that's required. Therefore, funding for Indian agricultural programs, such as Indian extension agents, and 1862 land-grant institutional funding must be increased "if we're really going to serve the full needs of Indian agriculture." Document part of 1999 Native American Programs in the College of Agriculture |