Canku Ota Logo

Canku Ota

Canku Ota Logo

(Many Paths)

An Online Newsletter Celebrating Native America

 

December 27, 2003 - Issue 103

 
 

pictograph divider

 
 

Wakina Sky students complete War Bonnet

 
 
by Shawn White Wolf - Helena Independent Record Staff Writer
 
 
credits: Students at the Wakina Sky Learning Center display the War Bonnet they created. Pictured from left are Brett Belgarde, Tisha Ball and Izain Belgarde. In the back is their teacher Pearle McGillis. - George Lane IR Staff Photographer
 

Students at the Wakina Sky Learning Center display the War Bonnet they created. Pictured from left are Brett Belgarde, Tisha Ball and Izain Belgarde. In the back is their teacher Pearle McGillis. - George Lane IR Staff PhotographerStudents of the Wakina Sky Learning Circle & Library officially completed their very own handmade, traditional War Bonnet Thursday afternoon.

"It was hard," said Izain Belgarde, a student at WSLC.

WSLC is an after-school program aimed at enhancing the development of enrolled children's social, emotional and academic skills.

All of 22 WSLC students participated in either beading the design on front or preparing a feather, and some did both, said Pearl McGillis, a cultural coordinator.

"I made these two feathers," said Belgarde, adding that he also helped with the beading.

While the students learned how to properly decorate each feather, McGillis said, they learned all the traditions of receiving, caring and using a War Bonnet.

He added that a warrior doesn't make his own bonnet, but receives each piece from people within his own tribe.

Students learned traditional ways of obtaining their own bonnet, said McGillis, which meant that they would have to earn it.

"It's one of the highest honors," said McGillis.

Among the many students, Sean Brennan, a Carroll College student studying elementary education, spends his time tutoring in academics.

"It's been a great experience," said Brennan.

Tammara Rosenleaf, an academic support teacher, said altogether four students from the Diversity Field Experience class at Carroll College have tutored the students so far this year.

In addition to Brennan, Erin Gregg, Jeff Hayes and Matt Lanigan have tutored more than 40 hours this fall at WSLC.

Students earlier this year put together a wish list for toys and school items they can purchase at the Wakina Sky Store with their Wakina Sky Bucks.

The list was then sent to local businesses.

"We got a tremendous response in donations from all the businesses," McGillis said.

Materials to make items, such as the dress worn by Tisha Ball in the photo, have been used by all the students, McGillis said.

Helena, MT Map

Maps by Expedia.com Travel
www.expedia.com

pictograph divider

Home PageFront PageArchivesOur AwardsAbout Us

Kid's PageColoring BookCool LinksGuest BookEmail Us

 

pictograph divider

 
  Canku Ota is a free Newsletter celebrating Native America, its traditions and accomplishments . We do not provide subscriber or visitor names to anyone. Some articles presented in Canku Ota may contain copyright material. We have received appropriate permissions for republishing any articles. Material appearing here is distributed without profit or monetary gain to those who have expressed an interest. This is in accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107.  
 

Canku Ota is a copyright © 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 of Vicki Lockard and Paul Barry.

 
Canku Ota Logo   Canku Ota Logo

The "Canku Ota - A Newsletter Celebrating Native America" web site and its design is the

Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 of Paul C. Barry.

All Rights Reserved.

Site Meter
Thank You

Valid HTML 4.01!