Post by blackcrowheart on Feb 11, 2006 12:54:43 GMT -5
Promoting education for Native Americans
On most Monday evenings, those involved in the Native American Indian
Education Parent Committee will gather at the McParland School Annex.
The moments are usually special.
It’s there that they enjoy the diverse company of people along with a
hearty potluck. And as usual, the elders, out of respect, are first in
line for the meal.
Mostly, they share their culture and stories of the past.
“We’re oral learners,” said Gil Rosas, who is the program president.
“Since we were without a written language, our history, traditionally,
has been passed from one generation to another.”
At one time, Native Americans or Indians ruled the landscape. Included
were 2,000 different tribes along with 2,000 different languages.
In the Central Valley, the Yokuts were among the indigenous tribes to
the area, according to long-time McParland School teacher Linda
Voorheis, who herself is part Cherokee Indian.
For centuries, the tribe lived peacefully through farming, hunting,
fishing and gathering grain and other produce in the agriculturally-rich
valley. At the beginning of the 20th Century, the Yokuts had most of
their land seized by the American settlers, with the Citizen Act of 1924
— tribes were integrated into white society but their religion along
with the teaching of their language and culture had been all but
forbidden — contributing further to their demise.
About five years ago, Voorheis along with other supporters of the Native
American cause discovered Title VII.
“I had an Indian student in third grade who was struggling in school,”
she said. “After finding an Indian education program, we were able to
put together the grant.”
Title VII is Federal government money awarded to eligible Native
American students needing help in meeting or exceeding the established
state academic standards.
Voorheis noted that students with any degree of Native Alaskan or
Hawaiian blood also qualify for the program.
Title VII offers free tutoring; free classes on history and culture;
free activities and workshop; and free field trips.
“We’re trying academically to close the gap,” said Voorheis, who has
been a teacher in the Manteca Unified School District for the past 32
years.
In order to be eligible, a student must be enrolled in the district
while completing the San Joaquin County Office of Education’s 506 form.
“We have about 150 students involved, but not all are active
participants,” said Susan Patnaude, who is the secretary on the parents
committee.
Those who are involved displayed some cultural pride at the recent
gathering, dressing up in full Native American regalia. “The students
made their own outfits with some help from their parents,” Voorheis
said.
Meanwhile, Rosas has hopes of the program expanding. This includes
attracting more high school students and perhaps those who qualify from
the Weston Ranch area.
The hope is for high school students to enter higher levels of
education, with certain grants and scholarships being available.
“Education is the key to our future in terms of sustaining our people,”
Rosas said.
More information on the program can be obtained by contacting Voorheis
at the annex (825-4281), home (823-4369) or Patnaude (234-7133).
To reach reporter Vince Rembulat, e-mail vrembulat@mantecabulletin.com
On most Monday evenings, those involved in the Native American Indian
Education Parent Committee will gather at the McParland School Annex.
The moments are usually special.
It’s there that they enjoy the diverse company of people along with a
hearty potluck. And as usual, the elders, out of respect, are first in
line for the meal.
Mostly, they share their culture and stories of the past.
“We’re oral learners,” said Gil Rosas, who is the program president.
“Since we were without a written language, our history, traditionally,
has been passed from one generation to another.”
At one time, Native Americans or Indians ruled the landscape. Included
were 2,000 different tribes along with 2,000 different languages.
In the Central Valley, the Yokuts were among the indigenous tribes to
the area, according to long-time McParland School teacher Linda
Voorheis, who herself is part Cherokee Indian.
For centuries, the tribe lived peacefully through farming, hunting,
fishing and gathering grain and other produce in the agriculturally-rich
valley. At the beginning of the 20th Century, the Yokuts had most of
their land seized by the American settlers, with the Citizen Act of 1924
— tribes were integrated into white society but their religion along
with the teaching of their language and culture had been all but
forbidden — contributing further to their demise.
About five years ago, Voorheis along with other supporters of the Native
American cause discovered Title VII.
“I had an Indian student in third grade who was struggling in school,”
she said. “After finding an Indian education program, we were able to
put together the grant.”
Title VII is Federal government money awarded to eligible Native
American students needing help in meeting or exceeding the established
state academic standards.
Voorheis noted that students with any degree of Native Alaskan or
Hawaiian blood also qualify for the program.
Title VII offers free tutoring; free classes on history and culture;
free activities and workshop; and free field trips.
“We’re trying academically to close the gap,” said Voorheis, who has
been a teacher in the Manteca Unified School District for the past 32
years.
In order to be eligible, a student must be enrolled in the district
while completing the San Joaquin County Office of Education’s 506 form.
“We have about 150 students involved, but not all are active
participants,” said Susan Patnaude, who is the secretary on the parents
committee.
Those who are involved displayed some cultural pride at the recent
gathering, dressing up in full Native American regalia. “The students
made their own outfits with some help from their parents,” Voorheis
said.
Meanwhile, Rosas has hopes of the program expanding. This includes
attracting more high school students and perhaps those who qualify from
the Weston Ranch area.
The hope is for high school students to enter higher levels of
education, with certain grants and scholarships being available.
“Education is the key to our future in terms of sustaining our people,”
Rosas said.
More information on the program can be obtained by contacting Voorheis
at the annex (825-4281), home (823-4369) or Patnaude (234-7133).
To reach reporter Vince Rembulat, e-mail vrembulat@mantecabulletin.com