Community Collaboration - Neither Wolf Nor Dog

The first question attendees were asked was to rate their degree of understanding of the Native Americans’ perspective of their history. Prior to hearing the speaker, 24% gave themselves a relatively low score of 2. After the presentation that number fell to only 6.5%. Pre survey results show 69% indicating some understanding of the Native Americans’ history. By the post survey that number had risen 94.5%.
In question two, audience members were asked to rate their awareness of the differences between Native American and White values. In the pre-survey 26% rated themselves at a one or a two, indicating little awareness of the difference in cultural values; however, by the post-survey only four people 3% still listed themselves at a one or a two. A second telling result can be seen when comparing scores of four or five on this question. Pre-survey results indicated 40% felt they had a good understanding of the difference in white and Native American values. However, by the post survey, that number had almost doubled to 77%.
Question three asked respondents to rate their knowledge of the Native American spirit when confronted with struggles such as discrimination or prejudice. In the pre-survey 38% rated themselves low; in contrast, post-survey results showed only 4%. 26% had labeled their understanding high in the pre-survey, and 67% by the post-survey.
The fourth question was about identifying Native American stereotypes. Prior to the presentation, 28% rated their knowledge low and 5% still labeled themselves as such after. Also, prior to hearing Mr. Nerburn, 42% ranked their ability high and this increased to 73% after the speech.
Our final two survey questions evaluated the audience’s level of interest in learning about Native American culture and in reading more about Native Americans. 70% began the evening rating themselves with a strong interest in Native American culture and by the end of the evening that number had increased to 86%. The results of our last question, rating their degree of interest in further reading on Native Americans, were also encouraging. Prior to the presentation 30% rated themselves highly interested while that number increased to 52% following the speaker.
All in all, our surveys indicate a vast increase in our audience’s awareness, understanding, knowledge and interest in the study of Native Americans.