CPS Native American Programs

March 2025

Elementary School Cherokee Push-In Program

4th Grade Totem Poles

The Project was to Research and Create an animal. The animal HAD to have a Cherokee name and the characteristics of the animal also had to describe them.

" I chose yo-nuh (bear) because I am strong a brave"

"I chose seek-qwah(pig) because I like to eat and I'm not picky"

"I chose dahk-see (Turtle) because I don't get in a hurry"

5th Grade Clan Masks

Students were responsible for researching and creating their version of a Cherokee Clan mask. This project is messy but so fun and one of the kids' favorites! They get to paper mache and then paint to create their masterpiece!

Ah-nee (Strawberry)

Students listened to the Cherokee Story, "The First Strawberries" and learned why they are considered the love berries!

3rd Grade Craft & The Cherokee Story, The First Strawberries

Mazie-Kinder

Raelynn-2nd

Cherokee Club

Cherokee Club: Weaving Stories, Culture & Craft!

For the rest of the year, we’ll be diving into cultural activities, traditional storytelling, and hands-on crafting. Students will have the opportunity to engage with Cherokee heritage in meaningful ways, learning through stories, creating traditional crafts, and celebrating our rich culture together. We’re excited for a fun and enriching experience as finalize the 24-25 school year!

2025 JOM Cherokee Language Bowl

The 2025 JOM Cherokee Language Bowl was held at Greasy Immersion School from 3/10 to 3/13. Colcord Public Schools sent teams to compete in every division. Over the four days of competition, CPS had eight teams compete, and four of the eight teams placed!

A huge thank you goes out to our Special Projects Coordinators, Tashina Weaver, Katy England, and Chloe Thomas. These ladies work with students every Wednesday in the Cherokee Club, where students are taught the Cherokee language and culture and prepared for JOM competitions. Great job, ladies. We appreciate you and the work you do! Wado!

Division 4 (9-12)

Date: Thursday, 3/13/25

Team: Dara Johnson, Silas Haggard, Cody Nofire, & Brant Gifford

Coordinator: Chloe Thomas

3rd Place

Division 1 (K-2)

Date: Monday, 3/10/25

Team: Landry Kindle, Henry Martin, River Sixkiller, & Camden Johnston

Coordinator: Tashina Weaver

3rd Place

Division 1 (K-2)

Date: Monday, 3/10/25

Team: Witten Barr, Canyon Sixkiller, Emma Bird, & Ryder Hastings

Coordinator: Tashina Weaver

3rd

Division 2 (3-5)

Date: Tuesday, 3/11/25

Team: Jordan Wolf, Addison Beck, Reagan Wolf, & Riley Brazil

Coordinator: Katy England

1st Place

Division 3 (6-8)

Date: Wednesday, 3/12/25

Team: Knoxley Rogers, Zachary Beck, Jaycee Doty, & Gabby Duncan

Coordinator: Chloe Thomas

Native American Studies & Cherokee

MS/HS Cultural Education Website

Native American Studies

Native American Studies students have learned over 50 Cherokee Syllabary Symbols! At the beginning of each hour, every day, students write a Cherokee Symbol with a story. Students quiz after every ten symbols. Students recently learned about Native American Boarding Schools, and are now starting a unit over the Cherokee government after Native American removal.

Cherokee

Cherokee language students are constantly building their vocabulary and are learning general phrases, and conversational phrases. The goal at the end of the school year is for students to be able to hold conversations with one another.

Most students can confidently read, write, and recognize all Cherokee Symbols, and practice reading, writing, and recognizing them daily! We have had a productive year and look forward to retaining more information!

UPCOMING: Parent Committee Meetings

Title VI Meeting:

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Dan Draper Community Center

3:45 p.m.

JOM Meeting:

Thursday, May 22, 2025

Dan Draper Community Center

4:30 p.m.

Resources for Parents & Families

Cherokee Nation Parent Resource Guide

The Cherokee Nation offers many services to its citizens and to other Native American tribes throughout its tribal jurisdiction in Northeastern Oklahoma. This guide is a resource for parents with information about services the tribe provides.

Cherokee Nation Language Resources

The Cherokee Nation Language Department is committed to preserving and perpetuating the Cherokee language through day-to-day spoken use and by generating more proficient second-language Cherokee speakers.

Cherokee Nation Tribal Registration

The Cherokee Nation Registration Office processes Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB), Dawes and Tribal Citizenship applications and issues CDIB, Citizenship, and Photo ID cards.

Cherokee Classes (art traditions, history, & genealogy)

Visit Cherokee Nation offers classes led by experts in Cherokee art traditions, history, and genealogy. Please note that classes fill up quickly and availability is not guaranteed. Follow Visit Cherokee Nation on social media for the latest info.