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"Why not? Why not an honor society for Indian people!"
Story by:
Frank dukepoo
My name is Frank C. Dukepoo. Among my Hopi people I go by Pu-mat- uh-ye Tsi Dukpuh. Through my father, the family name, Tsi Dukpuh, refers to the snake sacks carried by the Snake Dancers. 'Pumatuhye" was given to me by my mother Ella when I was initiated into manhood. After you plant, the first little ones that come up-that is pumatuhye.
For Hopis, it is "ka-Hopi" to brag. It is, however, expected that you speak the truth. So, it is true that I come from Sichomovi Village (First Mesa), Arizona. I am also the first member of my tribe to earn a Ph.D. (zoology, genetics), which I received from Arizona State University in 1973. At that time I was one of six other Indians who possessed a science doctorate. Now I understand there are two more. As far as I know. I am the only Indian geneticist.
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Frank C. Dukepoo is a full-blooded American Indian of Hopi and Laguna heritage. Born on the Mohave Indian reservation, in Arizona, he received his early education in the Phoenix area, In 1973 he graduated from Arizona State University with a Ph.D. in zoology (genetics). He, is the first Hopi to have earned a doctorate and one of six Indians nationally who hold earned doctorates in the sciences. He is one of only two Native American geneticists in the country.
His background includes teaching at San Diego State University, administrative executive positions with the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health, Washington, D.C. He is the former Director of Indian Education at Northern Arizona University (NAU), Flagstaff. Presently, he is a faculty member in the Department of Biological Sciences and Special Assistant to the Academic Vice President at NAU.
For the past 10 years he has expanded his interest in the area of retention and motivation. In recent years he has gained considerable reputation as one of the country's outstanding motivators of Indian students. He is the former Director of a NSF-supported science program that has gained national recognition for 100% retention of Indian students. Dr. Dukepoo is the founder, incorporator and Director of the National Native American Honor Society. This nationally-recognized exemplary program includes about 2,000 straight-A Native American students representing some 190 schools in the continental United States, Alaska and Canada. Read More
As featured on:
http://members.aol.com/natamcan2/frank.htm
Hundreds of kids make perfect
grades and earn way honors
A lot of dreams became reality on April 10 at Northern Arizona University when the members of the National Native American Honors Society gathered to celebrate the third annual banquet. Those attending nearly filled the field house.
From elementary school kids to adults in college, a lot of pride shone on the faces of students who were honored for having attained a perfect 4.0 grade point average. Their pride was shared by parents, grandparents, school administrators and teachers who were there to back up their kids and to share that special joy in achievement
It was also the realization of a dream for Dr. Frank Dukepoo, who had a vision a little more than ten years ago. He woke up in the early hours of an October morning and was given the idea that an honor society for native students could do a lot to increase self-esteem And achievement.
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By Cate Gilles
Contributing Reporter
Each month, IICOC salutes an Indigenous Warrior, past or present, who shows courage, perseverance and unselfish dedication as they invest in improving the lives of Indigenous people click here |
