DAR celebrates American Indian Heritage Month
Members of the Tippecanoe River-wythougan Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution met Nov. 8 at the MCHS Meeting Room.
In recognition of November designated as American Indian Heritage Month, Paula Book State Chair of the Indiana American Indian Committee was the guest speaker. Mrs. Book stated that she has always been fascinated with the culture of the American Indian and has a great passion for the people.
One of the missions of the DAR is to support education. Two of the schools supported by the DAR are for Native American Students. Bacone College founded in 1880 and located in Muskogee, Oklahoma is a four- year accredited liberal arts college; and, the oldest continuously operated institute of higher education in Oklahoma.
Mrs. Book focused her presentation on the second Native American supported DAR School, the
Chemawa Indian School in Salem Oregon. The word Chemawa means “happy home”. Founded in 1880, It is the oldest continuously operated off reservation boarding school in the United States. Today it has an average of 300-400 students in grades 9-12 from nineteen different states. The student population represents 70 different Native American tribes.
Traditional academic subjects are taught along with cultural classes in Native history and Native art to learn information and traditions that has not been passed down through generations. In order to graduate a senior must also complete the Senior Research Project. This includes writing a required paper on the elements of the culture of one’s tribe. The paper must include the social structure, customs and traditions, language, religion, forms of government and cultural expressions. In an oral presentation and using power point, the student presents the highlights of the research to a panel of teachers and students. The presentation can include brochures, games, dance, video and other creativity to get the panel involved and” take away” knowledge of the tribe.
The motto of the school “One Chemewa- When one succeeds we all succeed!”
Regent, Cheryl Ball presided over the business meeting. Following the reading of the President General’s Message, the following were presented:
Naomi Podlesak presented the National Defense Minute on the origin of the marching theme song of each branch of the military. Women’s Issues by Sharna Chapman reviewd the journey of Women’s Suffrage. Kelley Hall, Conservation Chair reminded the group why protecting wildlife is important.
In preparation for the America 250 birthday celebration, Naomi Podlesak highlighted the service of patriot, Jacob Troup of the Virginia Militia and the siege of Yorktown in 1781.
Members attended the Veterans Day Service on Nov. 11. The Chapter Book Club will meet Nov. 19 at the Coffee Lodge. The next meeting will be Dec. 13.