Date: Fri 14-Nov-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: MICHEL

Quick Words:

schools-potlatch-native-people

Full Text:

Learning The Traditions Of Native People

(with cuts)

BY MICHELE HOGAN

Fifth graders in Cathy Mazzariello's class at Sandy Hook School are learning

about the traditional way of life of native peoples from across the continent,

one tribe at a time.

Later, other fifth grade classes at Sandy Hook will do a similar study.

Students visually and dramatically presented the customs, clothing, shelter,

role of tribe members and lifestyles of native people from a tribe of their

choice at the school on Monday, November 10.

Afterwards there was a potlatch where students enjoyed traditional native

foods such as corn, squash, beans, fruits, and other delicacies.

Mrs Mazzeriello insisted that the costume and head dress worn by students be

authentic for the tribe they are studying. She commended her students for

their careful research and attention to detail in their presentations.

Many students chose to identify with famous native people. Emily Cunningham

introduced herself as "Chief Crazy Horse" in the Sioux tribe. By applying her

general knowledge of the personal significance of names used by native

peoples, she went on to describe how she could have got the name Chief Crazy

Horse.

She said, "I got my name by stopping a herd of wild horses from trampling on

my village." She was also open to other possible reasons for the name, and

said later that "it could have been that I could ride crazy horses."

Even if she is not entirely sure of every detail of Chief Crazy Horse's life,

she has learned something perhaps more important. She and her classmates have

gained a stronger identification with native people and their traditional way

of life.