I would like to see the money spent on Indian culture go to improving math education. We are so weak in math education, lets do the basics first.

Yes, math education is a pretty basic and important need. Too bad the U just turned back the grant monies mentioned in the article that were specifically dedicated to a math and science program. The money wasn't, by the way, allocated to teach "Indian culture" as the previous comment suggests, but to certify American Indian math and science teachers who would then pay back the monies spent on their education by teaching an equivalent amount of time at Indian-serving schools.

You are right Mr. Flores. The U's actions don't "pass the smell test." Something else is going on and upper level administrators are all trying to "get their stories straight" about a program that was so successful it did in 4 years what the U could not do in 40 years. It was nice to see Dr. Brayboy back in town to celebrate with the graduating students. Too bad the U forced him out and has since taken steps to force out the very students they claim to celebrate. It's going to take more than a second dedication of an old building (one in which Brayboy's grant provided computers for) to get us to believe the U is committed to Indians.

The U claims it doesn't have the "extra" money...how about using some money from its vast sports programs who's mascot is the Ute? Money is hard to find laying around that's true, extra would be hard to find. However if you plan ahead for a program you care about and that represents the mascot you use for your sports programs...that "extra" would be set aside/BUDGETED funds. If the U's administrators can't figure out something as easy as that, it makes you wonder what exactly is going on.

What are the Ute tribes saying about this, and have they talked with the tribal leaders from all the tribes? Let's Go Utes!

Yes Thank you, for finally writing about the obvious. The U can't say it supports American Indains and then refuse to back it up. It really insults our intelligence.

I hope someone is planing a lawsuit on behalf of these people. Last time I checked in order to recieve a federal grant an institution enters into a legal binding MOU that should have consequences when they back out. The U should have thought about "not having enough money to support Indians" before they applied for the grant.

As a U alumnus and current student, I read with interest on the UofU website this past week an announcement on the appointment of two widely respected American Indian Educators to key leadership positions where they will be specifically working alongside faculty to recruit, advise, and support American Indian students. While Mr. Flores and the Deseret News are printing articles and opinons making claims that the U isn't passing the "smell test," the U administration seems to be taking action. With the hiring of these two community leaders at the U, the new American Indian Resource Center Director, and two new American Indian faculty members in education to work with graduate students in American Indian studies, it would seem that the U has moved beyond media rhetoric and is taking positive steps on behalf of American Indian students. Why is it that the Deseret News hasn't said a word about the U's recent efforts on behalf of American Indian students? The announcement on these new U leadership and faculty appointments didn't get any print as far as I know. Is this an oversight, bias against the U admin, or the Deseret News' own failure to pass the "smell test?"

Did I miss something? Flores is openly critical of the U's dependence on federal funding for preparing future American Indian students, as well as its dependence on a single American Indian faculty member to a run a multi-million dollar program for (if I correctly remember the last article on this issue) graduated 30 plus students in six years. The comments from "a U alumnus" describes by my count five new American Indian faculty and leadership hires in the College of Education and across the U. campus that are not dependent on any federal funding and would be specifically directed to hundreds of U American Indian students. Something stinks all right and it appears to be the lack of consistent and accurate information regarding the U's commitment which from all the above accounts is substantial by any measure. Move on.

It appears the "good old boys club” is doing a fine job of continuing to ensure that the marginalized who are living in a white privilege society, remain that way- pushed out. Dr. Hardman has done a first class job of creating a smoke screen to distract the less obvious (and less known) facts to the decisions and choices that have been made behind the heavy doors of white privilege that continues to exists on the U of U campus. Was there any Native American facility, staff or administrators evolved in the decision to return the 2 million dollars? Was there a Native American perspective considered on how this decision would impact the spirits and commitment of the students and facility involved in the American Indian Teacher Training Program? Or were all decisions made under the all wise and knowing white perspective? It would be nice to have Dean Hardman provide insight to how he’s incorporating the Native perspective in his administrative decision making process?

Yes, it certainly seems a wise step to continue to utilize Nola Lodge's expertise as a long-time faculty member in a more prominent leadership role. If I remember correctly, she initially assisted Dr. Brayboy in implementing the first AITTP grants. I'm not certain, however, how new faculty appointments compensate for the loss of a program that has successfully graduated 9 to 12 American Indian educators a year for the past four years. It isn't only about leadership; it's also about funding, as the College of Education keeps telling us. Does it make sense to dissolve a working program because U officials returned grant funding and then expect everyone to applaud leadership appointments? We have new leaders who can serve as mentors and that is good, but we have no new American Indian students to mentor and hence no program. How long will it take to rebuild trust between the U and Native communities across the US, especially those communities AITTP has served? Who has offered to replace the funding AITTP had garnered?

These two women were not "hired" but merely "moved" from one position in the University to another. So NO money was needed to find "new positions" for American Indian Faculty. See that's how deceiveing these U of U administrator's are. Nola Lodge has been there forever. She's a pon being moved, positioned...she has the "back" of the U. Bev Fenton has been "moved" to another position within the University Community. The U made no effort to put out a "Job Vacany Annoucement" to find TRUE American Indian advocates. So YES, the U does stink to HIGH HEAVEN! The U administrators find ways to pull the sheep's skin over ya'llz eyes. I dont' wanna call you ignorant but the truth always hurts. The U administrators keep throwing the crap towards the wind or towards the fan. Stop NOW! Clean up your act and do the right thing! Honor the Ute people...quit breaking your promises. Words are cheap these days. Quit moving these so called American Indian advocates around in the system! It's TOTALLY lame. Dr. Brayboy was too much of an A.I. advocate for the U to handle. Thx Dr. Brayboy.

Well students of the U, i propose we pay a $ 20 increase for the "Mandatory Student Athletic Fee" to supplement the U supposed "dedication to the American Indians"...

The real smell test will come when we see if indeed the University follows thru and can continue the success of the AITTP program.

To "recruit, advise, and support American Indian students" is going to cost money.

I think most of us in the Amercian Indian community are skeptical about the University's commitment when they send 2 million back, money that could have been use to "recruit, advise, and support American Indian students"

The U of U is known for it's internal politics and power games. This is just another example. American Indians are few in number, so have little social capital to play these power games with Hardman and the administration.
At least the U should change it's association with the Ute Tribe or American Indians in any way. How about 'The Swarming Locusts', 'The Rolling Handcarters', or 'Mormon Maulers'.

Can the U "out do" what the AITTP did?! Answer - Not in our lifetime! Will the U come up with $ 2.1 million dollars to offer the "same" services as the original grant intended? The U cannot even fund ONE "scholarship" for one Ute American Indian. Who are we kidding?! That is the deal the University made with the Northern Ute Tribe. "We will fund scholarships for the Northern Ute people". But not one scholarship has been offered since 2005. There have been several Northern Ute students who have been and are academically eligible but Michael Young has failed to follow thru. So when the NCAA asks the U to change their name...BLAME MIKE. Plain and simple - Michael dropped the ball. Hopefully he won't drop the bar of soap too. The U will never replicate what AITTP offered. Offer the Northern Ute people what you promised - Scholarships not Fellowships.

The university is playing games with us all. There is no real intention of focusing on retention of faculty, staff & students at the U. They shuffle money year after year. The U plans on offering this position for a year then shifting the money elsewhere. Pershing and Villiapando are good at putting money here and there. Look at their history of dispering money. And its not only for the American Indian community. It also happened in the Latino community. Before we know it, Nola will be doing what she was doing before and so will Cecilia. Cecilia bit the bait...they reeled her in. Hard to decide whom you serve - your genetic make-up or the outside shell you've morphed into.

As the opening prayer was spoken in the Dine language, i could not hold back tears of saddness knowing the University of Utah did not do
"everything" in its powers to keep the Federal grant money to continue these much needed programs for American Indian children. The ripple effect of the "U's" decision to stop "working and advocating" for American Indians everywhere could be felt in the room that evening. A song was sung for the Native people returning home. The same song the Dine people sang while walking from Fort Sumner, New Mexico back to Dine'Ta. Although the song represented happiness, it also represented the torture, misconceptions and disrespect for the American Indian way of life. I saw Dr. Hardman with his hand on his chin, at times he seemed bored and uninterested. As he sat there with his chin on his hand staring into the darkness, the American Indian Teacher Training Program graduated it's last class of native people. I have deep respect for those individuals who had to endure the munipulative matter in which the grant was returned. No honest Administrators at the U. Congrats Graduates! They saved the best for last!

The atmosphere that night was powerful. The power was generated by the sacred songs and prayers said that night. That's all we have...the native people can only pray that the creator will serve justice to these people. The very people who make $100,000 to $ 400,000 a year. Do you really need that much money to live? I say "no"! There are American Indian children out there that are hungry and without running water! Why sent back $ 2 million dollars?! The money represents empowerment. It represents self confidence leading to an education taught by Natives themselves. The teachers whom graduated will assist Native communities for years to come. These teachers are invaluable. You cannot put a price tag on determination, desire and heart. The University it's interest first and not the American Indian children. My spirit was broken that night knowing that Dr. Hardman did not do all he could do to keep the program. The Ph.D. can only help a man so far...in this case, it only went as far as the end of the fiscal year and not into generations of the Indigenous people of this continent...the very land you've squatted on.

"...our state money"...DUDE! The State of Utah and the University of Utah UTES represent the Native people! So state money equals native money! Would Pershing think differently if his freedom depended on it? Probably not.

So where's the money coming from? If the U didn't want to invest $ 90,000...how much have you allocated for the "new" American Indian Teacher Program?

I have a feeling potential American Indian students do not want to come to school at the U. I certainly will not recommend them to come to the U.

Our U administrators need to be sincere with faculty and staff. I'm beginning to question what i've been hearing and reading. Many of the facts about this grant are showing a lack of respect for the Ute people whom we as employees, faculty and staff represent. Makes me feel ashamed to work for this institution. Like i'm a bigot. I proudly wear the U shirts, pullovers and hand a flag outside my home. Now i'm not sure if i want to be associated with people who think they are not looking dishonest in this whole AITTP story.

I'm responding to the comment above about "hire of 5 people." Well let's see...i believe the count is more like zero. One position has been with the U's CESA for a long time - American Indian Program Coordinator (Not new). Two positions are a result of moving current Native faculty into positions which did not require looking for "new" ideas and "new" energy...so these shouldn't even count at all. The other position is only being paid for one year. Once the dust has cleared and people are not watching...POOF! That position is gone. Money moves from one budget (ECS) to another budget (COE). Damn! Jes give me my Ph.D. yo! Figured it out like a rubix cube...i'm too gud. So fresh, so clean ya'll.

Just to set the record straight as an American Indian student at the U, no genuine efforts are made to make contact with American Indian students at the U. These American Indian outreach people don't welcome you to the U nor do they tell you about services specifically for your needs. There's no special treatment. Your a number, a statistic, a token. Many American Indian students do not use the services offered by the U. Like what is offered at CESA. Rather you have to make the effort to use the services which are for everyone, not just American Indians. Students enrolled in AITTP i envied because they had great support! True leadership by Native people could be found with AITTP. I can only dream for that type of support from the great people whom worked for the now disbanded American Indian Teacher Training Program.

Of all the Division I University's associated with the NCAA, the University of Utah is the only one with an American Indian name that does not offer "scholarships" to the people the athletes represent. Is it that hard to figure out a way to collect funds to do so? I don't wanna lose the "UTE" name. Come on folks let's get the U to do something now before its too late. If we think about it, we could lose the 'Running Ute' name. Then we gotta photoshop all them pix on the web, get rid of t-shirts with the Ute name, lose trademark money and all sorts of stuff!

I am very happy that John Flores has the "you know what" to state the truth in the Deseret News. He is an advocate for people everywhere. As John continues to undercover these injustices to the Native people, we will honor John with a song and prayer. Mr. Florez is an intelligent respected elder. And as native people, when an elder speaks you listen! You know elders are here to protect future generations. Florez you rock! Keep searching and the truth will come out. Just from the few articles written by the local papers, the U really messed up by destroying future American Indian teacher dreams. If the U does not want to advocate for Amer. Indians, then say it and send us elsewhere! Won't be the first time.

Congrats to the final AITTP cohort. Make a difference. You are the last of a great program.

Why defeat the Ute people? Isn't that like backstabbing someone?

The only way to get a true picture of the U's new American Indian Teacher Program is to see the budget, budget proposal, goals, and objectives for FY 2009 to perpetuity. Let's see the paperwork.

The AITTP final cohort worked hard to earn their degrees. No one can take that from them!! Go my son, go and climb the ladder.....

Brayboy and company did an excellent job. Obviously you don't have to be genetically....genetically an accountant to figure out a budget.

i see the light! the university of utah did not consider the impact of their decision on the children of fort duchense. If the "U" did include the Native people in on this decision, a majority of the funding needed ($90,000) would have come from these American Indian Tribes. The would have included the Northern Ute, Southern Ute, Ute Mountain Ute, Navajo and Shoshone. Even administrator's can fail miserably. That's a big fact "F" for Michael Young, Pershing, Villiapando, and Hardman.

"we are committed" has become such a roadkilled word. find another word to describe your unfunded work for american indian people.

I don't recall AITTP including any Ute tribal members, I don't recall getting special treatment like some students did who were related to the coordinators, and do we Native's really know how the money was spent? I heard that one student got to go to Hawaii and others did not, he was a brother to a coordinator and married to the other coordinator. Why did some get to go to Alaska and Washington D.C, and others did not? I heard the last cohort went to Gathering. Give me a break, we are our worst enemy. I know we don't know the true story but someone must have had their feelings hurt. Let's move on...and create our own destiny. We now know what it takes to succeed, babysitters.

The comment made by "Moving forward"...audits do happen for Federal funds. If any Federal funds were misspent, there definately would be an audit and those people who not only used the funding inappropriately (i.e. approved travel to Educational Conference & Training) and those who approved (i.e. College of Education Dean) the usage & reimburstment would also be held accountable. I do not recall anyone being audited for misspent funds for this Federal grant. If funds were misspent using the State of Utah funds then it would be "HEADLINES"...I can see it now "American Indians Misuse State money!" And there would be a lynching & burning at the stake! It did not occur (don't believe the U administrators, they are blowing smoke up your stack). Check the records. Do your research. Put your B.S. degree skills to work. Request for a GRAMA of all AITTP financial records from 2002 to 2007. You will find all funds were spent according to the Federal fund guidelines. If not, i suggest you file for an audit of all State and Federal funds for this program. It will show the U didn't meet their funding obligations. Be careful wat u wish 4.

Well "moving forward"...we understand people sometimes are jealous and cannot separate work from their personal life. As working professionals, we do make proper decisions based on facts, guidelines, policies and rules. If this was not the case, the employer has every right to ask for an independent investigation to these allegations. When you find a "real job" and have to administer Personnel Policies and Procedures, you'll understand. But for now i suggest you focus on getting your 1st year of teaching out of the way in order to become a "real teacher". Focus now, don't get distracted child!

Apparently several students did not complete their paperwork on time in order to go on these educational training opportunities (sounds like you think of these trainings as "trips"). Get real! These conferences offer valuable training and networking opportunities for future teachers. Great connections can be made in Native American Education via these types of opportunities. Next time, make sure you clear your schedule, find a babysitter for all twelve of your children and go. No one said you couldn't go. It was your opportunity to add very important skills to your resume. Please make it a priority to schedule yourself for these types of opportunities! You created your own destiny...hawaii could have been fun in addition to educational. Typical native response...blame someone else...point your lips at yourself.

AITTP offered great opportunities for American Indians wanting to focus strictly on studying. Students did receive more assistance from dedicated staff and writing tutors. If this grant was not offered, many of these graduates would have not even thought about going back to school. Fortunately Dr. Brayboy had the foresight and ability to successfully apply for this funding. Do you think Hardman, Pershing or Villanpanda could have done such a thing? I doubt it. All three administrators could have individually wrote to other Tribal Education Departments for funding. These administrators did not even have the decency to notify the schools who benefitted from this Federal Grant. The U tried to sweep it under the rug with hopes no one would notice. Wrong...it's been noticed. Advocated for Native American Education have taken notice. This is just the tip of the iceberg. So go ahead and blink, this issue is not going away anytime soon.

wow, the truth about the U's commitment to American Indians is sadly shining thru or should i say a dismal "F-minus" effort. there are people in the community who would have helped with writing and coordinating with the native american tribes within the state of utah. where was Nola? couldn't ya'll have used her networking abilities during this decision making time? couldn't you have used Bev Fenton's networking abilities during this time? There are several American Indian faculty and staff whom the U could have worked with during the time prior to the light-skin dudes makin' choices. wat a disgrace, a black mark on the forehead of Mike Young.

How did or how could have Sweeney Windchief have helped with his expertise in having many American Indian "connections"?

Does the College of Ed and the newly created "American Indian Teacher Program" need help with writing grants? What are the timelines for the writing of grants? How many grants will the new Director be writing this year? What about Next Year? Will she need help? Is there a 'Scope of Work' we can review?

Crazy horse was killed by his own people.

It is always sad when the desire for praise, glory, fame, or money bring Natives into a cultural competition with each other.

Sadly its historical, many tribes and other chiefs have been brought down by their own people, whether as scouts or traitors.

The marginalism, limited power and resources given to American Indians has led us to feelings of scarcity and competition, and with it a compromise in our most important value, our tribalism of looking after each other.

We are so quick to turn on each other to vie to be the white man’s #1 stooge. They play and manipulate us so well against each other, it’s masterful.

“Look at the real reality, beneath the sham realities of things. Look through the eye in your heart. –Leonard Crow Dog

i tyeped in indias education but it came up with nothing i needed

James needs to be recruited by an American Indian educator to be taught how to use the english language to express his thoughts and emotions.

"James honey" the correct english language to express your thoughts would be: "I tried to type in the words "indian education" using the world wide web but my english spelling came up with nothing. Therefore I need to go back to school to learn from an American Indian teacher; preferably an AITTP graduate!"

"James honey" there is help for your problem. I'm sure the University of Utah's College of Education has a program designed for your specific needs. Ask Doc Hardman.

Anybody else wondering why so many minority staff and faculty are leaving the U? What's going on up there? How about an article about that? We keep "hearing" about Prof. Brayboy being pushed out and there are others who are leaving or have left. Now the U is sending $2 million back. Sounds like they want to send all the minorities away and only keep the ones in administration who will sell out their own people and other minorities. If you won't kiss the ring on Vialpando's finger you can't get any help up there. Nola did good work but in all the years she was up there did she ever bring in millions of dollars in grants? Why do they think we believe suddenly she will do it now? Instead of keeping the person who did do it, the U forced him to leave. Mr. Flores, how about an article about all the minorities leaving the U?

what a great point about lodge being at the U for so many years which sounds like great job security we would all want but what if lodge actually stood up to fight one more time? Would lodge still be there today? Does lodge even have the strenght and drive for American Indians? AITTP would still be there if lodge stepped up to the plate for the future of teachers and American Indian children! Lodge has experience with the AITTP grant. Resubmit it and keep the education alive. the sacred solemn atomsphere at the final AITTP graduation ceremony was tremendous. If University faculty would have attended, they would again have felt how much they betrayed American Indian youth. Imagine the pain and grief they must be feeling every night before they go to bed at night.