What A Summer!

Submitted by analysa.allison on

Our Title VI Team has been busy this summer. During June, we held our annual summer school called, "Camp Eagle." We had many artists, educators, students, and parents participate in this program. Students were able to learn more about indigenous beliefs about waters, dwellings, beading, indigenous sports, literacy and most importantly the meaning of "k'e" or friendship. 

beading

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Eileen Quintana making a fish net with students 

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Analysa Allison integrating arts into Literacy 

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Shoshana Begay incorporating math concepts into beading 

Brooke and Kayden

Brooke and Kayden teaching students about Indigenous sports

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Natalie Billie helping students write in Literacy

We were able to hold our annual Ambassador ceremony and named four new ambassadors to be spokesmen for our program for the school year (2022-2023). Our Senior Ambassadors are Mya Jansen from Maple Mountian High School and Holden Jackson from Mapleton Jr. High. Our Junior Ambassadors are Jericho Billie from Larsen Elementary and Autumn O'Brien from East Meadows Elementary. 

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Mya and Holden 

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Jericho and Autumn

contestants

All our beautiful contestants 

Our Camp Eagle Pow Wow was a huge success! A majority of our Camp Eagle students participated in our pow-wow by dancing. They all did a wonderful job. Many students made their regalia and spend countless hours perfecting their dance moves. Our amazing Parent Committee donated supplies and resources for our Navajo Taco sale, and many parents jumped in to flap frybread and keep the concession lane moving. 

pww22Title VI students dancing

In July our program provided professional development training to current teachers in our school district. Eileen spent many months planning and preparing resources that were historically and culturally accurate and appropriate to use in the classroom setting. Our Title VI Team was honored to make Navajo Tacos (yummy!) for all of those who attended.  

We were able to hold our first Water Festival. This event allowed organizations and tribal leaders to educate our community and families about the importance and sacredness of water. In attendance were Shannon Babb (Central Utah Water Conservancy), Shakotah Billie (Central Utah Water Conservancy), Ellosie Parede (Local Indigenous Enterpatuere), Lapita Frewin (Native American Artist), Faith Browning (Native American Designer), Rios Pacheco (Northwestern Band of Shoshone), Larry Cesspooch (Northern Ute), and Shirlee Silversmith (Former Utah Director of Indian Affairs). Within this event, we had our first Native American Fashion Show. This was spearheaded by Faith Browning. She educated our students about three different clothing types. (contemporary, pow wow regalia, and traditional).

Rios

Rios Pacheco

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Lapita and Rose 

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First Native American Fashion Show 

Finally, Our Title VI Team recently had the opportunity to present at the 16th Annual Govneor Summit held by the Utah Division of Indian Affairs. The theme was, "Elevating ourselves: Restoring balance by connecting with your cultures."

During this summit, Governor Spencer Cox, Lieutenant Governor Deidre Henderson, U of U President, Taylor Randall, and several Utah Tribal leaders were in attendance. During his speech, President Taylor Randall announced that "Native American students who are enrolled members of one of Utah's eight federally recognized tribes will be eligible for a tuition waiver." For more information please read here

Our Title VI Team presented on our most recent Camp Eagle Summer School Program. We were able to cover all aspects of our program in a 60-minute time frame. Our presentation was full, and there is standing room only which our team was so pleased about. 

Ambassadors

eileen

brooke

Overall, it was a fun and eventful summer! Our team has already begun planning events and activities for the upcoming school year. We are excited to see you all soon at after-school labs on Mondays and Wednesdays.