CPS Native American Programs

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YouTube Playlist

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On February 11, 2026, Colcord Public Schools administration attended the annual Cherokee Nation Tribal Consultation. The event was full of information about ways the district could partner with the tribe to provide cultural and educational services. The district would like to extend a huge thank you to the Cherokee Nation for being a great partner in educating our students. Wado!

In our Turtle Calendar lessons, students learn that time is not just counted, but it is remembered. The thirteen moons on Turtle’s shell teach us to observe nature, notice change, and grow patiently just like the seasons. Through stories of family and community, students practice respecting elders by listening carefully, speaking kindly, and valuing the wisdom that comes from lived experience. Elders show us where we have been, and the Turtle Calendar helps us see where we are going. As we study each moon, students set personal goals, understanding that growth happens step-by-step — one day, one choice, and one good action at a time.

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Cherokee

High school Cherokee Language students have recently been learning and practicing general conversational phrases to help build confidence in everyday communication. Students have also been studying vocabulary and terms that will help them compete in the upcoming Cherokee Language Bowl this week. They have been working hard to prepare for the competition, reviewing material, practicing pronunciation, and strengthening their knowledge of the language.

Native American Studies

In Native American Studies, sixth grade students have previously been learning about the important treaties and key historical events that led up to Indian Removal. We discussed how these agreements and government decisions impacted the Cherokee Nation and other tribes. Recently, we began our Trail of Tears unit, where students are learning about the events surrounding removal, the journey itself, and the lasting effects it had on the Cherokee people. Students are engaging in meaningful discussions as we study this important time in history.

Cultural Arts

In Cultural Arts, students have been working on creating their own seed bead earrings and should be finishing those up this week. Throughout this project, students have learned about the cultural significance of beadwork, traditional designs, and the patience and precision that beadwork requires. They have done an excellent job staying focused and creative.

Our next project will be traditional corn husk dolls. Students will learn about the importance of corn in Cherokee culture and the story behind the faceless doll while creating their own handmade piece.

Cherokee Club Update

Students have been working hard to prepare for Language Bowl! They will compete Feb. 24-28. In total, Colcord will bring 7 teams to represent the district. Students have been learning everything from Syllabary to phrases. This is the toughest competition of the year.

After language competition, we are excited to bring in some cultural fun each week to club! We are preparing for some fun cultural crafts, stories, and activities!

✍🏻2026 JOM Creative Writing Competition📝

Congratulations to Riley Brazil and Aubree Chesney for placing in the 2026 JOM Creative Writing Competition! Riley’s piece “John Ross” won 1st place in the 3-4 Non-Fiction Division. Aubree’s piece “The Cherokee Rose” won 2nd place in the 7-8 Poetry Division, and her piece “The Trail of Tears” won 3rd place in the 7-8 Non-Fiction Division. Awesome job, ladies!

Title I Site Committee Meeting:

April 3, 2026

Colcord Elementary

2:00 p.m.

Title VI Parent Advisory Committee Meeting:

April 9, 2026

Dan Draper Community Center

3:30 p.m.

JOM Meeting:

May 19, 2026

Dan Draper Community Center

4:30 p.m.

All 2026 monthly meetings will be held at the Dan Draper Community Center at 2:00 p.m.

Sunday, January 25th
Sunday, February 22nd
Sunday, March 29th
Sunday, April 26th
Sunday, May 17th
Sunday, June 14th
Sunday, July 19th
Sunday, August 23rd
Sunday, September 27th
Sunday, October 25th
Sunday, November 15th
Sunday, December 6th

Cherokee Nation Cultural Resource Center YouTube Playlist

The Cherokee Nation Cultural Resource Center has created several videos about Cherokee games, storytelling, and cultural activities.

Cherokee Nation Parent Resource Guide

The Cherokee Nation offers many services to its citizens and other Native American tribes throughout its tribal jurisdiction in Northeastern Oklahoma. This guide is a resource about tribal services. Contact childsupport1@cherokee.org for details.

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. Contact rrogers@colcordschools.com for details.

Cherokee Classes

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.