Salisha Old Bull selected for D.C. internship

By Maggie Plummer

Salisha Old Bull

MISSOULA - Salisha Anne Old Bull, a University of Montana graduate student, has landed what could be called the ultimate summer job.

She is one of only 12 Native American and Alaska Native students from around the country to be accepted into the Morris K. Udall 2007 Native American Congressional Internship Program.

The 25-year-old full time student is married to Shawdin Pete, and participates actively Salish culture such as powwows and ceremonies, according to her proud mom, Patricia McClure Buffalo.

"My daughter will not toot her own horn," Patricia said in an interview last week. "She's so quiet. I'm so proud of her. I wanted people to know...and also to know that it's possible for other kids to do this."

Salisha is due to leave for D. C. on May 27, for 10 weeks.

Currently pursuing her masters in Interdisciplinary Studies, focusing on Native American Studies and Curriculum and Instruction, she says her main goal is to support Indian Education for All.

She graduated from Mission High School as 1998's Salutatorian.

This summer's Udall Internship will help her pay for college expenses, and provides an insider's view of the federal government. Udall interns are placed in Senate and House offices, committees, Cabinet departments and the White House. There, they observe government decision-making first-hand and gain practical experience in the legislative processes.

Udall interns find themselves at the center of Washington, D.C. life, living walking distance from the Senate and House offices.

Salisha says she's been studying the history of Indian education, and wants to develop curricula about the Bitterroot Salish.

"In five to seven years I would like to work for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes as a lawyer or in the legal department," she adds. Within that legal work she hopes to help support tribal sovereignty issues as well as self-determination.

"I believe that our tribe rests on its cultural heritage," she explains, "and my goal is to support our culture through legal avenues, motivating tribal people to support their cultural values."

She also hopes to one day serve on the Tribal Council.