TurtleTrack.org An Online Newsletter Celebrating Native America
Title
Canku Ota (Many Paths) Home
Description
"Canku Ota" (Many Paths) is an e-zine for and about Native America ... the native people of North America ... Native Americans, Alaskan Natives, and First Nations People. It is a celebration of the traditions and cultures of these wonderfully diverse people. Each biweekly issue contains news articles, about events and issues, contributed by some premier writers and artists. We also share stories, recipes, nature articles, opportunities, school news, projects, and anything else of interest to our readers, young and old. We focus on positive, yet factual information. Our extensive resource pages offer links to some of the best, legitimate Native Web sites as well as many other Web sites of interest to students, educators and the general public. We also house all of our past issues and a coloring book.
In 1999, we were involved in a similar project, with others. Over time, it became clear that our goals and philosophies were not compatible with those of the others. We parted company and in January 2000 "Canku Ota" was launched.
When we began publishing our e-zine, we did considerable research and Web surfing to come up with ideas and sites to share with our readers. One site, in particular, disturbed us so much, that trying to combat its message became the basis for "Canku Ota." This site, an educational page done by a middle school teacher, in West Virginia, was talking about the Hopi People. The information was about Kachinas and all of the verbiage was in the past tense. For example ..."the Hopi USED to"... this teacher went on to have her class make Kachinas as a project. It became painfully clear to us that even in the year 2000, many people believe, and teach, that our cultures and traditions are no longer living or deserving of respect.
