I’m not sure if I’ve found a calling in working with Native youth, however I am certain that working with them has definitely inspired me.
Since I posted an update, I had the privilege of working with tribal youth from the Coeur D’Alene and Nez Perce tribes. It’s been interesting to say the least.
I promised to blog more, however I haven’t dedicated much time to that, so I will give an update on a few things I’ve learned.
- the youth I worked with love Wiz Khalifa
- youth aged 11-13 use words like sexy and dress older than they are… I think this is the new or modern world we live in.
- drugs and alcohol are available to these kids
- when teaching culturally relevant subjects, Native youth really do know more than they claim… they need and like a lil time when answering
- most of the youth did not know about the boarding school experience of their ancestors
- the youth dig Native history, especially their own tribal histories
- these kids (although labeled “at-risk”) use critical thinking skills, they don’t express or use technical terms we use in academia… their blunt and unfiltered nature is a contradiction… I appreciate it, yet wish it was polished
- I taught a communications class, students were aware of non verbal cues… somehow I was surprised?? go figure
- when challenged, students perform exceptionally well ESPECIALLY when you tell them what your expectations are
- I’m defining some research questions <—- a work in progress
With an upcoming travel that includes planning for the national NIEA convention in October and a west coast trip to the NW Coastal Canoe Journey I’m certain I will have more updates soon.
That’s cool~! How did you find yourself working with Native youth?
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My professor coordinates a camp with a tribal education program and my tribe needed a program tech. I enjoyed the opportunity.
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