This episode shares an excerpt from Russell H. Conwell's "Acres of Diamonds" lecture. On the importance of language, reality versus perception, inherited mindsets, and challenging mass-held points of view.

Click here to read the full text of Acres of Diamonds

This episode begins with a map of the federally recognized Tribal Governments that exist as sovereigns within the geographic boundaries of the United States. The United States holds the land, in trust, for the Tribal Governments. This episode also walks through the Navajo's system of governance--Executive Branch, Legislative Branch, and Judicial Branch. An example of a Navajo Supreme Court opinion is demonstrated, citing references to the Navajo codes of procedure, and Navajo case law.

Questions considered during this episode: (1) What is home?; (2) How is home related to actual connection with the Earth?; (3) Using the wisdom of our ancestors as it relates to home. This episode relies, in part, on an essay found in "What Kind of Ancestor Do You Want to Be?" edited by Hausdoerffer, Hecht, Nelson, & Cummings.

This episode examines (1) the actual relationship between the United States and the American Indian populations, (2) how this relationship informs how the Federal government settles disputes that arise when a American Indian spiritual practice comes into conflicts with principles in the Endangered Species Act or the Controlled Substances Act. This is an ever evolving area of law that reflects, generally speaking, the interests of the "norm" and those in governance.

Episode Links:

What are early interventions? How we we access them? How can early interventions, documented over time, flow into an individualized education program when students enter the school system? As a side note--a benefit of the public school system is that parents and guardians do not have to reinvent the wheel--they just have to customize it to fit the particulars of their family.

This episode discusses the IEP, or individualized education program. How an IEP is different from the general education program. How the IEP can be used to improve the quality of education for "disabled" students.

Reviewing one type of "disability" that may help students in public schools receive individualized, personalized, or home school services. Thoughts and processes.

An introduction to special needs law. What are special needs and what systems of support exist for our students in the public school system.

Sharing the natal chart for the Declaration of Independence and a modern excerpt from one of the greatest (and most musical) political documents to ever be written by humankind.

Last week, the Federal Supreme Court ruled on three cases of social concern. They were all decided on party lines (6-3). Offering philosophical musings and historical-social context explaining why I don't really follow the decisions. The supreme court as the "Cancerian" ancestral oracle mother--that's why they all wear black after all?

A few non-judicial solutions to the social-political-moral issues raised. Rest assured, no great decision of social import will be decided by nine ivy league educated justices, and when it seems like it has, it's really just an alert to trigger the public into local advocacy. This doesn't mean taking to the streets. Instead this means interacting with their public servants, political representatives, or creating private solutions to public concerns.