There have been many occasions when I’ve reflected on life in Lawrence and the continued appeal of being a member of the vibrant and diverse fabric of this community.

Some of these moments have come as I’ve walked through downtown, visited the unique shops and restaurants and while observing and interacting with the variety of people who are members of this unique community. Other reflections are triggered through my association with Kansas University and the multitude of opportunities in Lawrence that appeal to my intellectual, social, political and cultural curiosity.

These examples contribute to the “Lawrence experience” that increasingly attracts so many to this community, yet alone, these experiences fail to fully capture what makes Lawrence special. Perhaps such an attempt is futile to begin with as much of the enchantment that comes with Lawrence is more subtle than obvious and is found in the nuance of the people, the places, the history and experiences tucked away throughout the city that are cause for celebration when discovered.

As noted by Sen. Sam Brownback recently, Haskell Indian Nations University is one of the gems of Lawrence and Kansas. It is known to many, misunderstood by some and fully undiscovered by others. It is a place where culture and education intersect with beauty, history, resistance, philosophy, reality, knowledge, potential, resistance and contradictions. Haskell is an enigma, rooted in the history upon which this nation was founded and vested in the survival and education of indigenous people.

The lives, experiences, cultures, and experiences of both historic and contemporary First Nations People, is focused upon by Haskell, as it seeks to prepare future generations of leaders and professionals for service to tribal and nontribal communities and organizations. Each semester, 950 students, representing 130 distinct tribes and indigenous nations in the United States attend Haskell.

Haskell provides Lawrence an opportunity to expand understanding and appreciation of the complexity inherent to such diversity. There are a range of opportunities throughout the year to engage in experiences that broaden horizons and challenge assumptions if one seeks to discover them.

The nation and world we live in today and that our children will inherit in the future is increasingly a global community of diversity. As we consider these changing dynamics, I ask whether we are preparing ourselves and our children to interact in this environment in productive and healthy ways.

The “Haskell experience” promotes consciousness raising opportunities and the development of knowledge and skills for engaging in respectful and tolerant considerations of those different from ourselves. Whether it is through attendance at the Indian Art Market, theater performance, athletic competitions, symposiums, lectures or pow-wows, there is much to be learned about First Nations People. Such opportunities are reflective of Haskell’s unique role and contribution to making Lawrence special.