Native America Calling

Today, December 26 – Reaching beyond barriers: a conversation with Jerry Chris Elliott-High Eagle

J.C. Elliott-High Eagle (Cherokee, Osage) joined NASA as a young engineer before astronauts ever made it to the moon. Eventually, among other things, he was a member of the team that devised real-time solutions to bring the crew of the hobbled Apollo 13 safely back to Earth, an accomplishment that earned him a Presidential Medal of Freedom. He’s a musician, writer, inventor, and social justice advocate. He was instrumental in establishing the first national Native American Awareness Week and was a founder of the science education organization, the American Indian Science and Engineering Society. We’ll hear from Elliott-High Eagle about what it takes to succeed in the face of adversity.

To join the discussion, call 1-800-996-2848

J.C. Elliott-High Eagle, left, at a console at the Houston, Tex. and the NASA Mission Control Center. (Courtesy JC Elliot-High Eagle)