Indian Education

Contact Information:

Cindy Weaver
Indian Education Director
918-786-3003 Ext. 1107
cweaver@ridgerunners.net

Kristi Collington
Program Coordinator
Cultural Specialist/Teacher
918-786-3003 Ext. 1124
kcollington@ridgerunners.net

Marilyn McClelland
Cultural Specialist/Teacher
918-786-3003 Ext. 1214
mmcclelland@ridgerunners.net

Charlotte Bergman
Indian Education Secretary
918-786-3003 Ext. 1110
cbergman@ridgerunners.net

ELEMENTARY ANNOUNCEMENTS

At this time we are unable to have Indian Education after school activities and practices for the lower and upper elementary students. 

Watch for upcoming information on Google Classroom and SeeSaw for activities and live demonstrations. 

If you would like to receive information by email, please send me that request at mmcclelland@ridgerunners.net.

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The Three Sisters

Did you know that corn, beans, and squash are called the “Three Sisters”?

A number of Native American tribes interplanted this trio because they thrive together, much like three inseparable sisters.

By the time European settlers arrived in America in the early 1600s, the Iroquois had been growing the “three sisters” for over three centuries. The vegetable trio sustained the Native Americans both physically and spiritually. 

ANNOUNCEMENT FOR SENIORS

It is time to order your cap and gown through Jostens!  The JOM program will pay $30 toward the cost.  This credit will be applied directly to your Josten's bill if you order by the deadline.  See Mrs. Collington at Grove High School for assistance. 

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  ANNOUNCEMENT - ACT EXAMS for HS STUDENTS

If you plan to take the ACT exam this year, please contact Mrs. Collington so she can make arrangements for you to be reimbursed $30 after you take the exam and she receives a copy of your scores.  Mrs. Collington must know when you are registering for the exam so the appropriate paperwork can be completed for your reimbursement.  

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  Elementary News -Message from “Ms. M”

Traditionally, the elementary students have the opportunity to compete in several competitions  related to Native American culture each year.  These include art, writing, Cherokee language and Cherokee history/ culture competitions. Students who participate have the opportunity to win  cash prizes and awards.  At this this time these competitions have been put on hold .  The Cherokee Nation JOM program sponsors most of the events  and they hope to proceed with some of the competitions  after December.  Students can still be preparing for competitions  in order to be ready when  normal activities resume.  If you would like to help your child get started on any of these activities at home, contact me and I can provide guidance, materials and other resources.  This is a great way to learn and have fun!

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          Story of Thanksgiving 
(Information adapted from OKCPS Native Knowledge Publication)

As the holiday season approaches, many schools and students will be learning about the story of the “First Thanksgiving.” Educators across the United States will teach lessons of how Thanksgiving came to be. However, many of the materials and lessons that have been taught are incomplete from the Native American perspective. 

The following is a Thanksgiving story between the English and the Wampanoag (Wam-pah-noah). It is important to note that this story has been told and retold for centuries based on Colonist Edward Winslow's letter describing the 1621 harvest. The timeline for this story is one year after the Mayflower landed in Provincetown also known as Patuxent. 

The English people had a rough first year on the Wampanoag land. Over half of their people did not survive. The Wampanoag played an important role in the survival of the remaining English.  Wampanoag means “People of the Light” or “People of the East” or “People of the First Light.” Their land is from Southeastern Massachusetts and Eastern Rhode Island.

Tisquantum was a Wampanoag man that lived with and taught the English how to crop. The 1621 Harvest was successful for the English people because of Tisquantum guidance and help. 

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Johnson O'Malley (JOM) Program

Eligibility: Students must be a member of a federally recognized tribe or have a CDIB card or agency letter and meet their tribe's membership criteria.

Services: •School Supplies •Senior Cap /Gown ($30) •ACT ($30) •Incentive Awards •Science Fair Boards •Cultural Specialists/Presentations •Cultural Competitions •Native American Organizations (OCIE, OISHS, NASA, etc.) Student Dues •Cultural Instructional Materials

Title VI Indian Education Program

Eligibility: Students must meet the following criteria (1) be a member (as defined by the Indian tribe or band) of an Indian tribe or band, including those Indian tribe or bands terminated since 1940, and those recognized by the State in which the tribe or band reside; or (2) a descendant in the first or second degree (parent or grand parent) as described in (1), or (3) considered by the Secretary of the Interior to be an Indian for any purpose, or (4) an Eskimo or Aleut, or other Alaska Native or (5) a member of an organized Indian group that received a grant under the Indian Education Act of 1988 as it was in effect October 19, 1994.

Services: •Native American Studies Classes •Cherokee Language Classes•Native American Art Classes •AP Testing•Tutoring •Supplies for Native American classes •Cultural Specialists •Cultural Competitions/Activities including Heritage Club •Field Trips •Guest Presenters •College and Career Information

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November is National American Indian Heritage Month

National American Indian Heritage Month celebrates and recognizes the accomplishments of the peoples who were the original inhabitants, explorers and settlers of the United States.

Since 1995 Presidents Clinton, George W. Bush, Obama, and Trump have issued annual proclamations which designate November as National American Indian Heritage Month, or since 2009 as National Native American Heritage Month. These proclamations celebrate the contributions of the American Indians and urge the peoples of the United States to learn more about the American Indian cultures.

"Many of the foods we eat and the medicines and remedies we use were introduced by Indians and more than one highway follows an Indian trail.  Indians make contributions in every area of endeavor and American life, and our literature and all our arts draw upon Indian themes and wisdom.  Countless American Indians have served in our Armed Forces and have fought valiantly for our country."   - President Ronald Regan