July 23, 2001

Research Subcommittee
Committee on Science
U.S. House of Representative


HPWREN has given the Tribes of San Diego a vision of the possibilities
of using this technology to build stronger communities.  San Diego
County consists of 18 Indian Reservations that are geographically
separated.  The different tribes were at one time Indigenous Villages
divided by mountain trails and streams.  Culturally, they interacted
on a more regular basis.  They traded and shared with each other.
The 18 designated reservations of today are spread out and more
secluded (isolated in some cases).  The development of San Diego
County over time has populated the mountain trails that used to
divide the villages with a very different culture.   San Pasqual
Band of Indians is part of the South California Tribal Chairman's
Association, which is consortium of Tribes that have the vision of
a Tribal Digital Village, which will connect the Tribes of San
Diego.

The vision of the Tribal Leaders is to reconnect the villages
through technology.  The 18 Indian Reservations will use HPWREN as
a tool to restore tribal connections of traditions, history, as
well as contemporary Tribal issues.  The Tribal community will be
able to interact on a daily basis, instantaneously.  We will be
able to maintain oral histories, share cultural information and
preserve the traditions.  The Tribal Leaders will have ability to
discussions on Tribal issues from any location.  The youth of the
community will also build ties to relatives that they may otherwise
not be able to travel to engage in any activities and communication
that would otherwise not be possible.  Education will be available
to our rural communities.  The classes and information provides
opportunities to the Native American of San Diego.  Most importantly
the Tribes will have the control and will be educating their people
with the technology in a way that is culturally compatible.  Exposure
technological tools will offer the Tribal Communities the awareness
and empowerment to what is possible for their future.

Sincerely,


Lorraine Orosco
Executive Director, Educational Programs