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Re-1, tribe say progress made on Indian issues

Nov. 17, 2001

by Aspen C. Emmett
Journal Staff Writer

Despite recent controversy over racial tensions at Montezuma-Cortez High School, the Re-1 school board Tuesday night touted progress that has been made between the district and Native American students.

A special meeting between the board and Ute Mountain tribal members was initially scheduled Oct. 23 to address Indian policies and procedures within the district, but Selwyn Whiteskunk, the tribe’s IPP spokesperson at the time, did not show up. Tribal members representing various groups such as the Youth Opportunity Program addressed the board, but not on behalf of the tribe.

Tuesday night, Ute Mountain tribal chairperson Judy Knight-Frank spoke on IPP issues, crediting the district and tribe with making strides while identifying problems that need attention.

"There has been progress in the areas suggested a year ago for joint school board-council action," Knight-Frank told the board, "but efforts need to continue in these areas: staff training in cultural and traditional areas; teachers who are ESL (English as a second language) trained; Native American teacher recruitment; procurement of the means to implement the plan for serving culturally and linguistically different students."

She also encouraged the continuation of monthly meetings between the tribe and the district as well as more parent-teacher involvement.

"My comments are based on the comprehensive data compiled and provided by the district and by parents, students and staff observations," she said. "Any requests we make are from the standpoint of being partners in the process. We would like to explore ways to improve and expand contact with parents from school personnel.

"This year, one teacher requested a place at Towaoc for a conference with Towaoc parents. Both the Education and Youth Opportunity centers will make space available for other teachers wanting to do the same."

Knight-Frank said the tribe’s Cultural and Language Department is available for consultation and presentations, adding that the tribe has implemented additional van services for after-school activities.

"Our staff will continue to make arrangements for the new teachers to visit the community and communicate with tribal members."

Concerns about low test scores, poor attendance and discipline problems among Native American students were also a focus for Knight-Frank.

"The data shows Ute Mountain and other Native American students to be low in testing results and attendance and disproportionately high in discipline actions," she stated.

The tribe has made efforts to increase support in Towaoc by implementing a truancy program in an effort to address some of the problems which seem to be linked together.

Finally, Knight-Frank turned her address to social concerns.

"The efforts to support diversity and reduce prejudice, harassment, and bullying are essential," she said emphatically. "When Ute Mountain and other Native students’ outcomes are more equal to total district scores and numbers, we will be able to assume that students and parents are more comfortable and more empowered in the education process."

Board President Steve Hinton asked Knight-Frank if she felt the district was falling short in its services to Native American students and asked for specific suggestions to better the board-tribe relationship.

"Do you think we at all drag our feet or are irresponsible and are there things we can do better? Do you feel there’s somewhat of a problem on the Native American side that they have a little resentment?" Hinton asked. "And how do we work towards removing that thorn?"

Knight-Frank responded that there are still barriers that need to be dealt with.

"I think one of the things that’s still here is — although we’ve lived here a long time and many of you have been in the area — there is still not an understanding of where we come from," Knight-Frank said. "I’m really surprised at the attitude of negativeness and prejudice that is still there.

"Looking at the past, I don’t know how to tell you what you need to do, but it’s been this long and we still don’t understand each other," Knight-Frank told the board. "There is something here that’s not working — yet we’re all here from this community. We’re definitely not going to go anywhere.

"We need to sit down together, and come to specific problems — get away from general topics. There’s an education process that has to start somewhere."

Hinton said he feels there has been substantial progress and that continued dialogue was essential.

"For us to break down barriers and make them go away — whatever they might be — is the forthright and upfront ability to approach back and forth and very sternly, calmly and sincerely address what concerns an individual."

Knight-Frank suggested that the monthly meetings between school representatives and tribal members continue to be a place for communication and growth.

Board member Jackie Fisher said the board would welcome the tribe’s attending school-board meetings regularly.

"When you bring specific problems or ideas, parents or tribal members could help come up with solutions, too," Fisher said. "Sometimes we all know there’s a problem and we don’t know how to fix it."

At the Oct. 23 special meeting for IPP, the district presented a list of more than 50 ways the district attempts to reach out to Native American students through language and cultural programs. The board also identified some main goals to work towards in the schools.

Among the programs offered are multicultural classes, the Native American Club at the middle school, the Native American Science Bowl team at the high school, Native American scholarship awards, bilingual aides in the schools, expanded bus routes, and diversity training for faculty and staff upon entering the district.

"Education for Native American students has never been as good as it is now," said Re-1 Assistant Superintendent George Schumpelt last month.

"Issues have come up in the recent weeks that falsify what we are doing in our schools," he said, referring to allegations of racism at the high school. "We need to continue with what we have in place."