HOULTON, Maine – Elementary students with Native American ancestry spent the day learning more about their heritage Wednesday, April 12, and Thursday, April, 13, as part of the RSU 29 Title VI program.
Approximately 13 percent of RSU 29’s total student population — roughly 175 students in grades Pre-K-12 – have roots in Native American ancestry.
Shelly Crandall, the Title VI project director at RSU 29 for the past 17 years, said every year the objectives of the program change. In recent years, Title VI has been unable to do a lot of in-person, cultural activities due to COVID-19.
Shelly Crandall, Title VI program director for RSU 29, reads from the book “Rabbit Snow Dance,” to students gathered at the Rollerama in Houlton Wednesday for a day of Native American cultural events.
(Contributed photo)
“We have collaborated with the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, as well as the Wabanaki Public Health organization to provide the kids with a day of cultural activities,” Crandall explained. “We want our students to have as much exposure to their own cultures and traditions as possible.”
The RSU 29 Title VI education program focuses on Indigenous people and their cultures through a variety of experiences both in the classroom and on field trips, according to Alex London, of Wabanaki Public Health.
“It is not just for Maliseet students, it is also for Mi’kmaq and Passamaquoddy students,” London said. “Basically any student who self-identifies with these three tribes.”
Christina Fitzpatrick of Wabanaki Public Health performs a smudging ceremony April 12, for RSU 29 students with Native American ancestry. (Contributed photo)
On April 12, students in kindergarten to second grade gathered at the Rollerama facility on U.S. Route 1, where a smudging ceremony was held. Students also learned about Native American basket making, sacred medicines, beading, as well as an hour of literacy activities connected with math and science conducted by students from the Region Two Early Education program.
Students in grades 3-5 gathered April 13 for a similar day full of activities.
Alex London (right) of Wabanaki Public Health holds a piece of cedar for children to smell prior to a smudging ceremony as part of a lesson on Native American culture. (Contributed photo)
“It is just a way to provide a little bit of their history and traditions, in a fun-filled setting, while also giving them the opportunity to have cultural pride in their heritage,” Crandall said. “We hope to do more events like this during the regular school day in the future.”
