Contact:	Tiffany Lee, 505-277- 5725 Laurie Mellas-Ramirez, 277-5915
June 4, 2002 LAGUNA PUEBLO AMONG NATIVE AMERICAN YOUTH AT UNM FOR SEVEN WEEK INSTITUTE IN BUSINESS AND SCIENCE The University of New Mexico Native American Programs is hosting the (TRIBES) Tribal Resource Institute in Business, Engineering and Science June 13 through July 26. MaDonna Analla of Laguna Pueblo is one of thirty native students from across the United States who will live at UNM and attend classes for seven weeks. TRIBES is for recent high school graduates who will be attending college this fall. Analla is a graduate of the Native American Preparatory School. The rigorous course schedule involves math, writing and a tribal government curriculum with a focus on tribal issues and strategies. TRIBES also offers an opportunity for Indian youth to assume leadership roles. In addition to academic enhancement, the students are offered college survival tips, easing student adjustment to the cultural transition and demands of college study. The academic experience is balanced by tribal community service projects, a culture camp-out and field trips where students interact with tribal leaders, elders, professionals and community members. Students develop a prototype tribal government titled "Lobo Nation." Teams are formed that become committees who will identify and deal with significant issues such as health, education and economic development. Then students select leaders, make decisions to ensure the sovereignty and the protection and prosperity of their land, people and heritage. The students make decisions that affect the welfare of tribal members, land and resources. Even though this is a fictional native nation, the students' ideas and recommendations can help current tribal leaders with the future development and protection of their respective nations. TRIBES is sponsored by the Council of Energy Resource Tribes (CERT), a tribal organization of 48 North American Indian tribes dedicated to serving Indian youth through the CERT Education Fund, Inc. (CEFI). There is no cost to participants, except round-trip travel to UNM. Benefits include nine hours of transferable college credit and eligibility for an annual $1,000 CERT scholarship for up to five years of college study. The program was developed in 1981 to help students gain knowledge and skills to improve the quality of life for native communities. "TRIBES is the next step to ensure American Indian tribes prosper in the 21st century and beyond," said Tiffany Lee, TRIBES coordinator. For more information contact Tiffany Lee, TRIBES Program, 277-5725. ###

The University of New Mexico
Public Affairs Department
Hodgin Hall, 2nd floor
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0011
Telephone: (505) 277-5813
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