Wyoming college ‘turns the corner’ with local tribes
SHERIDAN, WY – Sheridan College, a two year institution offering both academic and vocational degrees (considered the best in the area) hopes to “turn the corner” with neighboring tribal communities (mainly Crow and Northern Cheyenne, approximately an hour away) hoping to recruit more Native students in the process said Dr. Walt Tribley, new college President. The college now hosts 40 Native students in a total student population of 2,000. “We can do better than that, because we have a lot to offer, including housing, a friendly environment and financial assistance” Tribley said.
Sheridan College is located in the heart of traditional Indian lands, the Shoshone-Arapaho, Crow, Cheyenne and many Lakota Tribes, now surrounded by many historic sites.
During November, 2019, Native American Heritage Month, the college celebrated with a series of events, facilitated by visiting professor Donovin Srague, Cheyenne River Sioux/Cheyenne. Sprague, who holds a master’s degree is key to the success of this effort, Tribley noted.
The events included: Nov. 6: Carlisle Indian School Repatriation by Yufna Soldier Wolf: Nov 21st & 22: Workshops for Sheridan College Students by Robert Mirabel; Nov. 22: Flute and Dance Performance, Ethel by Robert Mirabel; and Nov. 25, Photo/Journalist and Documentary Producer by Adam Sings in Timber. In addition, from Nov, 3 to December 19th, the Native American Veterans Tribute, provided by the Smithsonian, Museum of the American Indian is on display at the Sheridan College Library. Earlier, the college celebrated the opening of a new Multicultural Center under the guidance of Sprague.
In addition, a highlight of Sheridan College’s Native American Heritage Month Celebration was a surprise visit from Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell, Northern Cheyenne. During one of his visits to the Northern Cheyenne Reservation to visit friends and relatives, Ben made a detour to Sheridan, also for the same purpose, including elderly cousin Vanna Schwamb, 93, one of the oldest Northern Cheyenne women and certainly one of the most vibrant. The good Senator keeps in touch with his tribal roots.
Though it was a quick trip, when Campbell learned of the Native Veterans Military Display at Sheridan College, he decided to tour that, an exhibit that notes more than 50,000 Native Americans have voluntarily served in the U.S. Military, nearly all volunteers, the highest rate of voluntary service among all American ethic groups.
During his Congressional career, the former Senator authored and shepherded legislation to create the Museum of the American Indian at the Smithsonian, later built to the tune of multimillion donations from around the world. “Congress approved the Museum of the American Indian, but wouldn’t put up a cent for construction,” Campbell wryly observed. On the other hand, Congress did provide invaluable land – the last spot on the historic Washington Mall and annually provides an appropriation for staff salaries.
The recipient of red carpet treatment at Sheridan College, Campbell was personally greeted by President Tribley and Sprague, given by them a personal tour of the tasteful presentation, one of the colorful panels including one of his personal quotes: “It is tremendously important to recognize Native American’s service to this nation. We have so much to celebrate.”
The display includes many cloth colored panels ranging from the American Revolutionary War to Iraq, with much historical information and photographs. A particularly poignant one features Lori Ann Piestewa, Hopi, the first woman killed in Iraq. Others include the Code Talkers of many Tribes, Joe Medicine Crow, Crow WW 11 Veteran etc.
The tribute was on display at the D.C. Museum of the American Indian for many years. Now retired, the Smithsonian makes it available to educational institutions for free. ‘Finding out about that, I jumped on it,” said Sheridan College Librarian Michelle Boule, who has also worked to develop a comprehensive collection of books and resources related to Native Americans. The display is open to community. On Veteran’s Day, for example the college hosted a group of Vets from the Sheridan Veterans Hospital, many of whom found the information inspirational. (Other interested schools and communities can contact the Smithsonian for information about using the display in their communities).
By coincidence, during Campbell’s’ visit, thirty Crow students from Lodge Grass and their chaperones, Ben Cloud, journalism instructor and Dee Pretty On Top, athletic director were touring the college. They had opportunity to meet and shake hands with Senator Campbell who encouraged them to go on to higher education. “They probably wonder who this old guy is,” he joked.
Professor Sprague, will continue his good works for one year at Sheridan College. He is very proud to be a descendant of Hump a famous Lakota Chief. “We are excited about that,” Tribley said.
(Contact Clara Caufield at acheyennevoice@gmail.com)
Shared by: Native Sun News Today
December 6, 2019