In October of 2021, we developed the Elder and Cultural Wisdom Council (ECWC). The term elder is one of knowledge more so than age. When we embark on a new journey, we often consult our Elders and Cultural Wisdom holders. It is said the youth want to run, but the Elders know the path.
This Council has been created to guide these efforts.
Through the guidelines in ESSA and Tribal consultation and inclusion, we seek a new direction for Youth by emphasizing cultural self identity, language, mental health and traditional wellness supports as an option.
We have seen the greatest impact when we create an opportunity of a relational way of connecting face to face. We have eight sovereign Tribal nations in our state and that allows for direct connection and land based knowledge sharing. We want to design an approach for our school districts for direct instruction from our indigenous educational teachings and relational methods.