Development of Native American Culture and Art. Hearing before the Select Committee on Indian Affairs, United States Senate, Ninety-Sixth Congress, Second Session on S. 2l66 (Sante Fe, New Mexico, April 14, 1980).

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American Indian Culture; American Indian Education; American Indians; Art; Art Education; Facility Planning; Federal Indian Relationship; Hearings; Institutes (Training Programs); Organizational Objectives; Postsecondary Education; Religious Factors; Secondary Education; Self Determination; Tribes

On April 14, 1980, the Senate Select Committee on Indian Affairs heard testimony in Santa Fe, New Mexico, regarding S. 2166, a bill to establish a National Institute of Native American Culture and Arts Development. Forty-two witnesses appeared before the committee to note strengths and weaknesses of the bill, suggest changes in wording, and voice their concerns regarding the ability of the BIA to administer a postgraduate arts institute and the appropriateness of Santa Fe as the location for the proposed institute. Representatives of nine Pueblos and the All Indian Pueblo Council strongly opposed the bill, fearing the institutionalization of their culture, the invasion of private religious practices, and especially the loss of basic educational services for Indian children in the Santa Fe area at the Institute of American Indian Arts l(IAIA) facility. The committee reassured the Pueblo governors and the many other witnesses with similar concerns that this was not the intent of the bill. Representatives of the Crow, Zuni, and Navajo Tribes and New Mexico Senator Pete Domenici spoke in support of the bill. Other witensses represented IAIA, the Santa Fe Indian School, and several Indian arts associations. The text of S. 2166 is included in the record. (SB)

1980

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