Scotland County NASA students visit Lumbee Tribal Housing Complex
(April 2011) The Youth Services Department of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina hosted an education and culture session for the Scotland County Native American Student Affairs (NASA) Club on Friday, April 1, 2011 at the Tribal Housing Complex in Pembroke.
“We wanted to familiarize the students with the services and programs offered at the tribe,” said Indian Education Teacher and Advisor for NASA Theresa Torgerson. This is the Scotland County NASA Club’s third year in existence.
Youth Services Coordinators John Oxendine and Terry White gave the students a tour of the Tribal Housing Complex, taught them how to make corn-shuck dolls, and gave out flyers and brochures on tribal programs. While making corn-shuck dolls, Oxendine explained the significance and history behind the craft.
“It is gratifying to know our youth are getting exposure to their culture,” said Lumbee Tribal Chairman Purnell Swett. “We often take for granted that all of our youth get the same opportunities, when in reality they don’t and that is where the Tribe continues to strive to fill-in the gaps.”
According to Torgerson, Scotland County NASA Club does not receive any funding for culture programs so they have to conduct fundraisers to support activities. “If it weren’t for the tribe we wouldn’t be able to do a lot of things,” commented Torgerson, “the tribe funds our youth to attend the NC Indian Youth Unity Conference and they come out to our schools, things like this are very important to us.”
According to Denise Cooper, a social worker for Indian Education, the American Indian students in Scotland County are the minority. There are currently 50 students in the club. “These are our leaders of tomorrow and it is a great opportunity for them to be exposed to their tribal government,” stated Cooper, “I had two students ask if they could sit in the Council’s chairs inside the chamber.”
The Tobacco Cessation Program and the Homicide and Motor Vehicle Death Prevention Program of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina are scheduled to make an appearance at Scotland High School before prom to advise students and create awareness for safety on this important night. For more information on tribal programs please call 910-521-7861. |
|
