Eber Hampton facts for kids

Eber Hampton is a respected Chickasaw leader and educator. He has held important roles, including serving as president of the First Nations University of Canada. This university was once known as the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College. He also led the Harvard American Indian Program. Many people call him a "Pioneer in Indigenous Education". He also worked with the Canadian Commission for UNESCO.

Early Life and Learning

Eber Hampton was born in Talihina, Oklahoma. His family was part of the Chickasaw Nation. He grew up in California. After finishing high school, he went to Westmont College. This is a private Christian college in Montecito.

At Westmont College, he earned his bachelor's degree in psychology in 1962. He graduated with honors. During this time, he faced some personal challenges. He later said that a "distant light of goodness" helped him through.

He then attended the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). There, he studied how people learn. In the 1980s, he went to the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He earned his Doctorate of Education there. This is a high-level degree in education.

His Career in Education

After UCSB, Eber Hampton taught psychology at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Later, he became the director of the Harvard American Indian Program. This program helps Native American students and studies Indigenous issues.

He then moved to Alaska. There, he joined the University of Alaska. He became an associate dean for the College of Rural Alaska. This role focused on education in rural communities.

In 1991, Hampton was chosen to be the President of the First Nations University of Canada. As president, he oversaw big changes. The university changed its name from Saskatchewan Indian Federated College. He also led the building of a new university campus. The famous architect Douglas Cardinal designed it.

In 2005, Queen Elizabeth II visited Saskatchewan. She met Eber Hampton and gave him a special stone tablet. It had her initials on it.

His Family and Work

Eber Hampton's son, John Hampton, is also involved in the arts. He is the director of the MacKenzie Art Gallery in Regina, Saskatchewan. His nephew, Adriel Hampton, is an American political figure.

Eber Hampton has served on many important boards. These include the Advisory Board for the Institute for Aboriginal People's Health. He also worked with the Canadian Executive Service Organization.

His Ideas

Eber Hampton has written academic works. These include:

• "Towards a Redefinition of Indian Education"
• "Alaska Recovery and Spirit Camps: First Nations Community Development"

He is known for his powerful words. Here are some of his quotes:

• "Racism is an ugly, dirty, nasty word. But the reality is that racism is so much worse than the word."
• "Standing on the earth with the smell of spring in the air, may we accept each other's right to live, to define, to think, and to speak."