Smoke Signals December 1992
Page 4
Education Begins With A Head Start
By Tracy Olson
Ask anyone about the future of the Grand Ronde
Tribe and the will likely say the most important element is
the Tribe's children. If this is true, the Confederated Tribes
of Grand Ronde is at a distinct advantage because tribal
enrollment has doubled in the last eight years. In 1984 the
Tribe's enrollment was 1 ,495 and today it is 2,926. There are
many adults who have petitioned the enrollment committee
to become tribal members, but there are also many people
having children who are eligible for tribal status. The result
is a large population of toddlers and pre-schoolers.
This is why the new Head Start program is so important. For
the past several years, the Tribe has successfully maintained
its higher education program designed HHBaaBaai
to help tribal members finance their
college or vocational training. Now,
the Tribe is helpi ng to fund an education
program for children before they reach
school age.
Head Start is primarily
funded by YCAP (Yamhill '
Community Action Program) and operated from their main
offices in McMinnville, Oregon.
The Grand Ronde Tribe has agreed to provide
classroom space and utilities.
Currently, there are nineteen enrolled children in
the Head Start program, twelve tribal members and seven
non-Indians. However, most of the children reside in the
Grand Ronde area. A child's eligibility into the program
depends on several things. First is the family income. Head
Start programs are designed to serve the needs of children
from low-income families. Second, foster care children or
children with special learning needs are given priority.
Head Start teacher Angela Bedortha and Assistant
teacher Mary Cook plan the activities and events for the
children on a daily basis. They sing educational songs, have
developmental work time, music time, and story time. They
Cultural Class Update
The Grand Ronde
Tribal population has
doubled during the
last eight years.
are also given breakfast and lunch.
The children are also learning certain routines that
prepare them for kindergarten and grade school. After only
a few weeks, the children are learning to hang their coats up,
wash their hand after playing outside, and each child is given
a toothbrush which they use every day. Mostly, the children
are taught the importance of getting along with others while
doing educational activities. .
One aspect of Head Start that is largely emphasized
is confidentiality. "Confidentiality is very important," said
Angela Bedortha. "Everything a parent tells us is kept
between teachers and YCAP employees. Children won't
have their needs met if their parents are afraid
to confide in me, and I cant plan for those
needs if I'm not aware."
The Head Start classes are being
held at the Tribal Community Center for now,
but they plan to move to their own schoolhouse
sometime after Christmas. "Our ultimate
goal is to be operating on our own without the
support of YCAP," said Angela, "but that won't happen for
3 while
Head start is also going to introduce more aspects
of Native American culture to the classroom. For example,
they are going to read "Black Bear, Brown Bear" as translated
into Chinook jargon by Eula Petite. There is also a desire to
have regalia in the classroom in order to explain traditional
dress of the Indians. If there are any parents who have regalia
from when their children were little and would like to donate
it to the Head Start class, it would be appreciated.
By providing aHead Start program in Grand Ronde,
the Tribe is helping to instill a posetive attitude toward
learning for the tribal youth.
If you are interested in enrolling your child into the
Head Start program, there is a waiting list. However,
information is available by contacting Angela Bedortha,
Mary Cook, or June Olson at the tribal offices.
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CeCe Kneeland helps prepare the hides for
tanning class.
There were 1 9 participants in the cradleboard class,
and everyone that attended did a great job. Education wants
to thank Shawn Hostler, John Mercier, Camille VanVleet,
Tracy Hubbell, EdLarsen, and Mike Larsen for their assistance
in setting up the tables and plug-ins.
There were 16 adults and 13 children who
participated in the hide tanning class. Karen Lord discovered
a new use for pizza cutters, which make excellent hide
scrapers. Everyone worked very hard and had a good time.
I would like to thank Lonnie Leno who donated and recruited
several hides for the class, Chips Tom, Jimmy Brandon, and
especially EdLarsen, who allowed the Education Department
to keep a hide donation can at his store and encouraged many
hunters to donate hides to this project. "
Due to scheduling problems, the December 5 Leather
Crafts class is rescheduled for Friday, December 1 1 at 6:00
P.M. at the Community Center. The December 12 class
remains as scheduled. No leather will be supplied, and those
who participated in the hide tanning class provided their
own. If you would like to bring your own leather and
participate in the class, you are welcome to attend. Hope to
see you there! Please contact me in the education department
if you have a question. The schedule for classess in
upcoming months is below:
DECEMBER 5, 12: Leather Crafts
Prior to this class, participants will need to decide what they
want to make. The program can then determine what we will
be able to provide for the participant.
JANUARY 9,12: Oral Traditions
This class will cover storytelling, as well as viewing videos
and listening to tribal Elders tell stories.
FEBRUARY 6, 20: Gambling Hand Game
Just bring yourself and be willing to sing or be tolerant of
those who try.
MARCH 20, 27: Foods
This class will focus on identifying and gathering edible
plants in the "wild".
APRIL 10, 24: Baskets
This will beapresentationofbaskets and lookingat materials
in the making of baskets. If there is interest, we may have a
basket making class later on.
MAY 15, 29: Traditional Medicines
This class will be both a presentation and gathering of plants,
and their preparation.
JUNE 12, 19: CeremoniesCelebration Protocol
Head Start students eat lunch in the morning and prepare for the day's activities.