For more than 50 years, the Indigenous People of America have been a big part of Steve Saffron's life. His long career in education introduced him to Native Americans, and he soon discovered that Indian people live in two different worlds.Since 1963 the spirituality and humor from both the Indian and non-Indian world has permeated Steve's world, and in this book he has attempted to bring the best of both worlds together to tell his story and espress his philosophy of life. For 23 years he taught a Native American Personal Development class at Scottsdale Community College. Reuben Norris, an Apache Pima friend of Steve's often spoke to his classes, and one thing he said seems to sum up both the intent and the content of this book: "If you're here to judge, there is nothing I can say that is right, but if you come here to learn, there is nothing I can say that is wrong."
Steve Saffron is a Motivational Keynote Speaker who has delivered leadership and professional development programs to America for 25 years. He is a "Meaning Maker & Cycle Breaker." Steve's seven topics are all about relationship building, teamwork, and positive attitude. In a most creative way, you will learn how to grow professionally and build a positive work climate. Steve received an Associate of Arts degree from Mesa Community College, and later earned both a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and a Master's degree in Counseling from Arizona State University. He began his Indian education career in 1972, at Alchesay High School, in Whiteriver, Arizona. In 1974, Steve worked in the Indian Program in the Mesa public schools. In 1975, he was hired as a professor and counselor-and later as Director of Indian Services-at Scottsdale Community College (SCC), where he worked for 30 years, doing everything from counseling to community outreach, and designing and teaching a Personal Development Class for Native American students. In 1985, fresh from a sabbatical, Steve created the first course on Friendship, and also the first Laughter, Humor and Play class in the entire United States. Both classes were for full college credit and were open to all students. For 10 years, both classes remained some of the most popular courses on campus. During his long career, Steve Saffron has been recognized with many awards, including, "The Phoenix Choice Award" and also the "Raising the Bar in a Time of Change" award, from the National Head Start Association. He is especially proud of two other awards: The "Devoted and Distinguished Service Award" for over 20 years of educational service to the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian community; and the "American Indian Excellence in Leadership Award" he received in 2012, when the Phoenix Indian Center honored him for being a long-time friend of the American Indian Community. Since leaving the college, Steve has launched a successful career as a professional speaker. His humorous and motivational speeches, along with his engaging and uplifting trainings, have allowed him to share his positive message all across the country. Steve often presents programs at Native American gatherings and has also been honored to be a keynote presenter at various companies and organizations around the country, including Head Start conferences annually for the past 25 years.
