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Letter from the President

Dear Colleagues,

A colleague of mine once referred to the NCIV network as a “national treasure.” So often, as I have seen our members in action, that apt description has come to mind. Your unsurpassed knowledge of resources in your community is unique. Not only do you have in depth knowledge of remarkable resources, you understand how best to access them for maximum benefit to visitors and hosts alike.

Last month I experienced another adventure that reminded me of the “national treasure” depiction. Gertrude Ferriman, longtime volunteer with the Albuquerque Council for International Visitors (ACIV), organized a four day program exploring the Indian country in Northern New Mexico and Arizona. Our group of seven (including NCIV board vice-chair Al Durtka, President, International Institute of Wisconsin, and his wife Sharon) enjoyed extraordinary opportunities for substantive discussions with Native American leaders. It was my privilege to present framed certificates of appreciation to various tribal leaders for their involvement in the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program. For example, we met for more than an hour with Dr. Joe Shirley, President, The Navajo Nation. He had recently returned from South America and was preparing for a trip to Vietnam. What an impressive citizen diplomat! Like others we met, Joe spoke eloquently about the economic and cultural preservation challenges facing his people.

Some of you interacted with Peter Pino, longtime ACIV volunteer, who gave a greeting and was a presenter in a concurrent session at the 2007 NCIV National Meeting. He is the Tribal Administrator (CEO) of the Zia Pueblo. We were fortunate to visit him in his home territory. He guided us to places ranging from a gypsum mine, a movie set, and a church built in 1610 all on the reservation. We visited various homes and three schools taking information about international exchange programs and scholarships thanks to the Institute of International Education and the Alliance for International Educational and Cultural Exchange. How fascinating to have lunch with Native American children and their teachers!

Our ACIV hosts had also arranged for us to meet with a Navajo code talker at his home. If you are not familiar with the incredible story of how more than 400 Navajos joined the Marines and contributed to the U.S. effort in the Pacific during World War II by inventing a code that the Japanese could not break, take time to learn this amazing story. One dominant impression I had throughout is what effective citizen diplomats Native Americans can be. And they eagerly welcome the opportunity. As tribal Judge William Johnson, Laguna Pueblo, phrased it: “It is an honor for native peoples to be included in programs for International Visitors.”

The meetings were fascinating. So were the opportunities to experience Canyon de Chelly and Window Rock. What truly magnificent places! In fact, the scenery all along the way was breathtaking. Al Durtka observed: “I learned so much from being the International Visitor.” As you can imagine, we had spirited discussions about what constitutes a high quality program for our IVLP participants.

In a time of tight budgets, how do we enable the International Visitors to experience scenic wonders and get off the beaten path? This whole experience enhanced my already strong appreciation for the rich resources we can tap and share with International Visitors. The NCIV network IS a national treasure.

With thanks for all you do,

Sherry L. Mueller

PHOTOS: (From top left, clockwise) Sherry Mueller and Al Durtka with the Dr. Joe Shirley, President of the Navajo Nation (middle); Children interacting in a pueblo school; (L-R) Gertrude Ferriman with Navajo code-talker Frank Willetto at his home; Al and Sherry with ACIV Volunteer, Peter Pino

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