Catawba Indian Nation offers its members a lifetime of education

  Despite setbacks due to uncertain financial management following the 1993 recognition settlement with the U.S. government and the blockage of attempts to fund education through high-stakes Bingo and video poker, the Catawba Indian Nation has revamped their management, found new avenues of revenue, and is able to offer their members, from youngest to oldest, a culturally-centered education.

The Nation has had its share of setbacks and disappointments in regards to education funding. In 2005, Indian Country Today reported that the Catawba were the beneficiaries of a six-year, $6.9 million matching grant which enabled them to offer culturally-centered activities to younger members such as pottery making and language classes. Unfortunately, these funds were revoked when audits were not satisfactorily submitted for review. Another disappointment came on May 5^th of this year when their attempts to gain the right to run a high-stakes bingo hall were thwarted. Religious and civil members united to defeat the measure, resistant to the idea of having this type of establishment in close proximity to schools and Decker Boulevard. Funding and job creation from a high-stakes bingo hall would have benefited Catawba education greatly.

  Despite these issues, the Catawba move forward with education measures aimed at improving the future of all members. One rich resource available to the youth is the Catawba Head Start program, located in the Catawba Cultural Center, which offers preschool classes for children three years of age up until Kindergarten enrollment. Children are educated in state-mandated subjects to prepare them for entry into primary school, but are also offered a wide variety of activities such as Native American art, gardening, and nutrition. Also, the Head Start staff work to integrate “Catawba Culture” into the curriculum.

  In September of 2008, the Nation opened their Catawba Achievement Center at their Longhouse, located on-reservation. The center was created by Harmony for Humanity, which aims to bring technology to Native American peoples located in remote areas. The center boasts eleven computers which can be used for GED training, computer literacy classes, and small business development training. Members are offered free computer classes and volunteers are encouraged to assist with teaching classes. Although the center offers beginner and intermediate level courses to members of all ages, it is particularly hoped that older members who have never really had the opportunity to gain technological knowledge will be able to improve their lives utilizing theses resources.

In addition to computer training, Catawba adults are offered education through the Catawba Cultural Center in a variety of areas including language, basketry making, pottery making, beadwork, and regalia making. Also, quarterly newsletters provide short lessons in language (like the one pictured above) to encourage tribal members’ participation in language revitalization efforts.

Resources:

Becknell, Jennifer. “Tribe opens tech center at Longhouse: Computer training, GED program, small business classes in the plans.” Herald Online (Sep. 12, 2008) http://www.heraldonline. com/2008/09/12/811521/tribe-opens-tech-center-at-longhouse.html#ixzz0npND1pAf

Catawba Indian Nation Newsletter (1st Quarter January– March 2010): http://www.catawbaindiannation.com/CIN-1stQuarter-Newsletter.pdf

Catawba Indian Nation Newsletter (2nd Quarter April– June 2010): http://www.catawbaindiannation.com/CIN-2ndQuarter-Newsletter.pdf

Hinshaw, Dawn. “Catawba Indian's Columbia bingo hall plans thwarted: Catawbas lose fight for a high-stakes bingo operation in Columbia area.” Herald Online (May 5, 2010) http://www. heraldonline.com/2010/05/05/2143608/tribes-bingo-hall-plans-thwarted.html

Largo, Jim. "Elders teach Catawba youth." Indian Country Today (August 17, 2005) http://www.proquest.com/