On Friday, February
22nd, 4th-8th grade students at Riverside Indian School engaged
in a day full of cultural enrichment, indigenous language excitement,
native sports, giveaways, and visits from American Indian college
athletes, musicians, artists, and filmmakers.
ANADARKO, Okla. The morning began with a prayer and honor
songs by the student's Riverside Ramblers drum group, lead by staff
sponsors Terry Ware and Ronald Harris. The Riverside Honor Color
Guard and their sponsor James Nells flew the colors for all to see.
The Indian sign language presentation showed the grace and poise
of the Riverside girls with the assistance of club sponsor and elementary
school counselor Sharon Sadongie. Following the welcoming, the anticipation
began to build as students listened for their free raffle numbers
to be called out in hopes of winning original artwork from Kiowa/Choctaw
artist and filmmaker Steven Judd, autographed OU footballs, shirts,
and posters, and Pendleton products. After the first few rounds
of giveaways, hands-on tribal language games were undertaken by
the large crowd as they "competed" against one another and shared
a ton of laughs.
Next, the morning presenters, University of Oklahoma football
player and former Detroit Tigers draft choice Londell Taylor (Cherokee)
and University of Oklahoma Track & Field/Cross Country team
member Robin Ray (Chickasaw), were announced to loud applause from
the students. The pair spoke on the importance of commitment to
oneself and to their peers, school, tribe, and culture. Following
them was singer/songwriter Happy Frejo (Pawnee/Seminole) who motivated
them through her words and original song compositions. Bri Ramos
(Mexican) continued to inspire the kids in the breakout workshops
that followed. Bri is a leader in the Loveworks organization based
in Norman & Ponca City, Oklahoma which provides incredible leadership
training opportunities for youth in 6th-8th grade. Partnered with
Londell and Robin, the trio spoke to an all-boy's and all-girl's
workshops on the power of respect, valuing girls and women, positive
body image, comprehending the honor of being balanced young men,
social medias at times negative effects on youth culture, and understanding
the importance of their traditional culture as a foundation for
their lives. Happy wowed and amazed her all-girl and all-boy workshops
by teaching them various dance and music styles and encouraging
them to "Step Out". Her philosophy of positively getting young Indian
people out of their unwillingness to be seen or heard by others
is contagious.
"It never fails, This younger generation really inspires me
to keep pursuing my dreams. The young ones at Riverside Indian School
remind me that I will forever be on a journey, an adventure of growth
as an individual and as a Native Woman. They are so strong and talented
and that makes me want to soar higher. Their hunger to step outside
the box makes me remember when I was a little girl and to always
bring that fearlessness. I love their energy and hope to see them
again very soon."
By the end of Happy's workshop the kids were up dancing and
singing and ready for the Indian Taco feast Patti Gray and the incredible
food service staff at Riverside laid out along with Kiowa language
terms for ordering food. The students were happy to engage in a
few words and phrases in order to receive their meals. It was wonderful
to see so many students of diverse tribal backgrounds sharing what
they knew in their languages throughout the day.
After lunch the students were treated to two short films by
Steven Judd (Kiowa/Choctaw). It was only appropriate following the
meal that Steven show his independent film festival comedy, "Best
Indian Taco", which drew tons of laughter from the Riverside students
and staff.
The 4th-6th graders then went off to their classrooms to show
the incredible displays they had developed concerning the histories
and contemporary realities of Oklahoma's Tribal Nations to one another.
While Indian students attending Riverside come from throughout the
nation, the focus of the day's events was on those tribes residing
in present day Indian Territory.
Steven stayed back with the seventh and eighth grade students
to show them his ability with digital animation and his take on
political Indian art pieces which drew some serious considerations
and thought from those gathered as he tackled, in mainly humorous
ways, issues such as colonialism, Land Runs, stereotypes, and historical
trauma.
After the presentations all the grades regrouped and Oklahoma
Christian University soccer player Brandon Little Axe (Absentee
Shawnee) stepped up to the microphone. This past year Brandon lead
his 6A Norman North High School soccer team to undefeated state
and national titles as a national scoring leader. He then followed
that up by signing a full-ride scholarship to OC. Brandon spoke
to the students about the importance of genuine friendship and making
those around them better by their presence; a moving message from
a young man in only his late teens. In response to his feelings
about the presentation Brandon remarked, "I've never felt so humbled
and inspired to represent my community, and I am very thankful for
such an opportunity."
Following the speech, all were treated to a singing and dancing
presentation by the Riverside Apache Club (staff sponsors T.J. Sheridan
and Lois Tsatoke). The visiting presenters were clearly impressed
by these remarkable students.
Next up was Chickasaw Nation Family Resource Center (Chokka
Kilimpi) Cultural Coordinator Jason Eyachabee (Chickasaw/Choctaw/Seminole)
leading the students in what he termed, "the world's largest Snake
Dance". He also had the students fellowshipping with one another
during the Garfish Dance, after which time he lead them all out
to the football field for a game of Stickball. Teams were divided
by gender and the girls won out in the end. Some fancy stick work,
slips and falls, and boys being tossed around by the girls was seen
throughout the contest, much to the delight of the large gathered
crowd. Riverside staff members Julia Robedeaux and Stephanie Ware
showed their prowess on the field amongst the kids.
After the game, the students headed back to the gym and were
separated into five groups to create tribal language skits which
they performed in front of the audience. From one group singing
a Kiowa Hymn to others using words and phrases from their own particular
indigenous language, it seemed that all had a good time with their
attempts. As the saying goes, "The only time you are speaking your
Indian language wrong, is when you are not attempting to speak it
at all."
As the day came to a close there were many to thank including
Nate Harjo who did a tremendous job videoing the event, interviewing
the presenters, and along with Lee Juarez, keeping the tech issues
in control. Gordon Whitewolf who works in Student Services and sponsors
"Alive at the Side" raised the tipi and Tammy Eckiwaudah made sure
the facilities were clean and tidy, while assisting with other pressing
needs throughout the day. Amber Wilson (Riverside Elementary School
Principal) provided encouraging words and support. Other staff members
such as Faith Revis, Sharon Sadongei, Peggy Wahkinney, Randy Beartrack,
Christopher Dobson, Rhonda Freie, Charlotte Gooday, Don Gouge, J.
McCann, Kellie Moser, Guy Narcomey, Theodore Sheridan, Mitzi Sneed,
and Lois Parker continue to contribute to the lives of those attending
the school. Even with all the contributors the day would not have
been possible without the leadership and organizational capacity
of Elizabeth French and Judith (Judi) Hunter who had this to say
to those who gave of their time to be with the students,
"As Indian people we need to share life every day. This enrichment
will truly be an experience the students will never forget. They
had a chance to mingle with fantastic role models they could all
relate to during the sessions. Students learned many things relating
to Oklahoma tribes. Tribal singing, dancing, skits, and games were
never so much fun. The boys and girls played stickball and strived
to work as a team. Without a doubt, all of you made this an amazing
day. The students all hope to cross paths with all of you in the
near future. We appreciate you taking your time to be an inspiration
to our Riverside students. It is vital that our students today know
the importance of sustaining their tribal language. The Cultural
Empowerment Day helped the students achieve this goal. KEE OWN DAY
DAW! (It is a great day!).
|