November is Native American Heritage Month!

November is National Native American Heritage Month!  The 2009 theme is "Pride in Our Heritage, Honor to Our Ancestors."

Browse the display of Native American books at your Chattanooga State Library.  Find more library resources at the library's Native American research guide: http://bit.ly/1eatYc

The U.S. government's web site about Native American Heritage Month has a collection of information about exhibits and web links: http://nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov

The first paragraph of the 2009 Presidential Proclamation for this month states:

"The indigenous peoples of North America -- the First Americans -- have woven rich and diverse threads into the tapestry of our Nation's heritage. Throughout their long history on this great land, they have faced moments of profound triumph and tragedy alike. During National Native American Heritage Month, we recognize their many accomplishments, contributions, and sacrifices, and we pay tribute to their participation in all aspects of American society."

The history of Native Americans continues to be a subject dear to my heart.  Curiosity struck me early as I grew up in the Great Plains and visited memorial sites where Native Americans and the U.S. government collided in battle.  Now living in Tennessee, my curiosity about Native American history continues as I learn more about the Trail of Tears and Ross's Landing.  My wife's grandfather was Cherokee, which has added a personal interest in the pride and heritage of Native Americans for my family.

"Pride in Our Heritage, Honor to Our Ancestors" - Celebrate the 2009 National Native American Heritage Month.  Read a book or find out more information online.

Embrace Diversity: Dynamics of Cross-Cultural Communication

Wow! That's a mouthful! Maybe I can try to say that in plain language. Thanks to a TBR Access & Diversity Grant, Chattanooga State is engaging in an all-out effort to recognize and publicize the value of a diverse population of students, faculty, and staff. A recently published brochure contains our diversity statement. Here is a portion of that complete statement:

"Chattanooga State is committed to maintaining an environment  of open access to learning while providing an enriched curriculum and  environment that celebrates diversity. We recognize the strength of our differences and celebrate our diversity as one of our strengths. Chattanooga State views diversity and inclusion as an educational imperative and essential for career preparation...."

Each of us should understand that diversity enriches our lives by offering us a glimpse into cultures beyond our own; however, verbal and non-verbal communication styles, whether intentional or not, often hinder cultural exchange. These tips can help overcome that obstacle.

Ten Tips for Cross Cultural Communication (Kwintessential Ltd.):
1. Slow down: speak clearly to make yourself understood.
2. Separate questions; avoid asking more than one question at a time.
3. Avoid "yes" and "no" questions since they are often misunderstood.
4. Take turns speaking: make a point and listen to the response.
5. Write information down if you are unsure about being understood.
6. Be supportive to those who struggle with language barriers.
7. Make sure you were understood by summarizing what you meant.
8. Avoid using slang; sometimes meanings may be misunderstood.
9. Watch your humor: many cultures view humor as a negative.
10. Maintain etiquette in communication to avoid misunderstanding.

To help you understand the value of cultural diversity and the importance of inclusion, we will have book displays over the next couple of weeks that feature books on a variety of themes about diversity.  The current display focues on teaching in a diverse classroom.   

Direct all questions to Dr. Mosunmola George-Taylor, 697-2552
Dean of the Mathematics and Science Division
Research Assistant, Ms. Lindsey Garth

Kwintessential Ltd. (n.d.) Ten Tips for Cross Cultural Communication. Retrieved January 12, 20009, from Kwintessential.co.uk
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/cultural-services/articles/ten-tips-cross-cultural-communication.html