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New American Indian facility's future uncertain

As the new UA American Indian Graduate Center celebrated its new location last night with a spiritual blessing, Native American Student Affairs members said they may lose exclusive use of the facility to other programs.

"It is a tradition for Native American people (who) move into a new dwelling to have it blessed," said Glenn Johnson, director of the center, who added that the ceremony is a type of purification of the center to remove any evils that may have existed before.

Daniel Preston, Tohono O'odham Nation consultant, conducted the traditional blessing while emphasizing "administration, budget and funding (as) the main issues."

Prior to the blessing, Johnson told the group of about 60 onlookers that there were rising concerns about how long the center would remain a cultural and educational center for the American Indian community.

"We are not certain at this point if we will be able to keep this center and use its services for activities," Johnson said. He said some are asking if the location should be utilized entirely by the center or divided among campus offices.

Johnson said the previous center, 1610 E. Seventh St., was relocated to 1493 E. Helen St. Aug. 14 because of recent University of Arizona boundary changes.

Johnson also said the center is very fortunate to have found the space because several programs are having a difficult time finding locations for their organizations.

As a result, the center may have to share the space with another UA office or organization, he said.

Veronica Hirsch, American Indian studies graduate student, said the concerns are rooted in the notion that some UA representatives have begun to question the center's efficiency.

"This is a valid concern, but in all of the literature I have read at the UA, it says that students come first," Hirsch said.

"The dedication is demonstrated if students are able to use this center - the benefit cost analysis of this space clearly outweighs any consideration for this space," she said.

She added that UA officials have begun to consider dividing the new center between the American Indian center and other campus organizations.

"It is efficient because although it's mainly geared towards graduate students, I come here - it's for everyone," said Ryan Nez, education sophomore.

"There is that chance that it may be taken away, and it would just be another resource taken away from the Native American students, but it is definitely used by the students," he said.

Although many people are concerned about the possibility of having to share or give up the center, several said they are impressed with some of the changes the center has experienced.

"This is a major improvement," said Ted Downing, research professor of social development. "We're satisfied with (UA) President (Peter) Likins' decision to help - it's a clear demonstration to a commitment to Indian students."

A survey will be administered to UA's American Indian community by the center to show that it is being used efficiently and that enough students are taking advantage of its resources.