American Indians at UNC want sorority (Northern Colorado)
 

From the Greeley Tribune Newspaper (Greeley, CO)

When Aubrey Nitzberg first arrived on the campus of the University of Northern Colorado, she immediately felt out of place. That feeling didn't go away until she joined an American Indian sorority.

"I felt secluded and out of place because I didn't know anyone who understood my culture," said Nitzberg, who is a junior studying telecommunications.

Now Nitzberg is president of the Native Sorority, a group of nine women in the process of joining Alpha Pi Omega, the national American Indian sorority. The women hope to begin the sorority's version of rush next fall.

Should the group gain membership, it will be the first nationally chartered American Indian sorority in Colorado and the fourth chapter for the sorority, which originated at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill in 1994.

Since its inception, Alpha Pi Omega has added chapters at the University of North Carolina-Pembroke, Dartmouth and the University of Arizona.

American Indians make up only 1 percent of UNC's student population. Ninety-eight of the 125 American Indian students at the Greeley campus are female.

Nitzberg, a member of the Southern Ute tribe, said the sorority would be a great comfort to women who come from reservations as well as those who have never lived on a reservation.

The women, most of whom met through UNC's Native American Student Services, are raising money to bring Tabitha Strickland, a representative from the national chapter, to Greeley. Strickland will help the group jump through the complicated web of administrative hurdles on campus before she returns to North Carolina, where she will make a recommendation to the board on behalf of the Greeley women.

The group must have enough money by mid-February in order to get started by fall.

While working for the national charter, the women have weekly meetings and host events, such as movie nights, at least once a week.

"We are trying to get to know each other and build a sisterhood," Nitzberg said.

I THOUGHT it would be Alpha Pi Omega! I do love sororities founded at UNC-Chapel Hill.

:D

So did I!

We're cultural Greek nerds. :(

LOL

Kudos to these ladies! :)

What astounds me is how many People dont feel Comfortable with existing GLOs.?

No, I didnt and started My Own Local, but it was not with the GLOS, it was with the people who I knew a lot of.

It is sad that GLOs such as LXA and many others Who have Initiated Members from all Races and Religions dont have something for all Peoples.:(

I must send emails out to all Afro-Americans, Asians, and Middle Eastern Brothers of LXA to get their Ideas!:confused:

Pardone Me while I cough Bull Shit Behind my Hand!

But, that said, I can only Wish These Ladies Good Luck!:cool:

Good for them!!

Good Luck to them

Good luck to them. I hope they enjoy their experience.

-Rudey

I can understand why these young women would want to join a culture GLO. It is very alienating to go to a school where you are a part of a small minority population, and you don't regularly see people that share your background and culture. I think its great that they are creating a sisterhood and a support system for one another.

How wonderful!

PS - Ok Mr. PC... :p what about HBGLOS? Or HLGLOS? The idea behind Alpha Pi Omega is just as worthwhile.

East Carolina has Epsilon Chi Nu Native American Fraternity and Sigma Omicron Epsilon Native American Sorority, membership open to all ,of course.

It's no secret that most (if not all) Greek Organizations were founded by individuals who shared commonalities or at least subscribed to similar ideals. Why should these young women be questioned for wanting to do something that has been done by most GLO founders? I don't it's so much that the majority of GLOs don't offer something for people of any background, I think it's more that these young women wish to create an organization that is structured more around their heritage and culture. Kudos to them.

Just so you all know...this is my alma mater...and at one time was home to the "Fightin' Whities" intramural team that got national attention.

I'm not questioning these ladies motives...at all. I sincerely hope they are doing this with the best of intentions, and not bent on furthering the other AI groups that led to the formation of the Fightin' Whities.