2007.11.01: November 1, 2007: Headlines: Native American Issues: Peace Corps Press Release: Native American Peace Corps Volunteers are Making a Positive Impact Around the World

Peace Corps Online: Peace Corps News: Peace Corps Library: Native American Issues: 2007.11.01: November 1, 2007: Headlines: Native American Issues: Peace Corps Press Release: Native American Peace Corps Volunteers are Making a Positive Impact Around the World

By Admin1 (admin) (pool-151-196-25-189.balt.east.verizon.net - 151.196.25.189) on Sunday, November 11, 2007 - 9:35 am: Edit Post

Native American Peace Corps Volunteers are Making a Positive Impact Around the World

Native American Peace Corps Volunteers are Making a Positive Impact Around the World

Director Tschetter said, "Peace Corps Volunteers represent the face of America and we are proud to have American Indians among those Volunteers. American Indians serving as Volunteers have a unique opportunity to share their rich culture and traditions with other people around the world."

PCOL Comment: In Oklahoma, we say "Native Americans." The word used in the Peace Corps Press Release is seen by some as a pejorative.


Native American Peace Corps Volunteers are Making a Positive Impact Around the World

American Indian Peace Corps Volunteers are Making a Positive Impact Around the World

Peace Corps Celebrates Diversity during American Indian Heritage Month

Caption: Native American Children stand with flags of their tribes at the opening of the Standing Bear Museum in Ponca City, Oklhoma on October 1, 2007. Photo: Hugh Pickens

WASHINGTON, D.C., November 1, 2007 - Peace Corps Director Ronald A. Tschetter is pleased to announce the agency's celebration of American Indian Heritage Month. For the entire month of November the Peace Corps will celebrate the culture and traditions of the more than four million U.S. residents who trace their roots to the American Indian.

Director Tschetter said, "Peace Corps Volunteers represent the face of America and we are proud to have American Indians among those Volunteers. American Indians serving as Volunteers have a unique opportunity to share their rich culture and traditions with other people around the world."

Twenty-seven self-identified American Indians are currently serving in the Peace Corps. They hail from 16 states and Puerto Rico, 17 percent are from California and 14 percent from Oklahoma. Nearly a third of all American Indian Volunteers are serving as educators, and another 24 percent work as environmental extensionists. Other American Indian Volunteers focus on health, business, and agricultural and urban development projects.

A notable Returned Peace Corps Volunteer shared her experiences in service, which exemplified the benefits and advantages of being an American Indian in the Peace Corps. Before joining the Peace Corps in Romania, Lorna Babby, an Oglala Sioux Tribe member, practiced American Indian affairs law to aid causes in her home community. Babby encourages other minorities to volunteer with the Peace Corps for the opportunity to gain relevant work experience and skills, and the chance to go through a life-changing experience.

"I think it is extremely important for the Peace Corps to reflect our multicultural society," said Babby. "The experience, knowledge, confidence, and perspective I have gained as a Peace Corps Volunteer has made me a more effective Indian advocate."

The Peace Corps actively recruits people with a variety of backgrounds and experiences to ensure that the Volunteers reflect the extraordinary diversity of the American people. Ethnic minorities make up 17 percent of the 8,079 Americans serving in the Peace Corps.




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Story Source: Peace Corps Press Release

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