Au Pair In America Community Counselors are as unique and diverse as our au pairs.  Global Awareness caught up with one in Denver, Colorado, Laura Mauger, to hear her story and seek advice on the upcoming celebrations of Indigenous People’s Day.  Here is what Laura shared from her past and her advice as we celebrate the present and our history here in the USA:

I grew up on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation in Northeastern Montana, with the Sioux and Assiniboine tribes.  My dad began his law practice on the reservation and remained there for 40 years. He was considered one of the last of the “old time lawyers” who welcomed his clients to his office, responded to community needs, and was generous in providing his skills, including serving as the Fort Peck Tribal Appellate Court Judge. The lessons I have taken from my upbringing on the reservation are simple.  In the Native American culture and tradition, communication is a multi-level experience. Individuals use gestures to express feelings and thoughts rather than engage in verbal interactions. There is dynamic use of dance and art to convey messages and history. There is great value placed upon listening rather than talking. This is one of the many reasons that I became a licensed clinical social worker and eventually ended up working part-time for Au pair In America. There is life beyond the individual person, and we belong to a collective universe that is dynamic and strives for balance, resiliency, hope and love. 

Perhaps we can all practice listening and storytelling with each other a little more…to make this world a better place.  

Want to learn more about the Native American expeirence in the US?  Check out these links for talking and teaching about the indigenous people’s experience in the US:

And check out these sites for more for everyone: