openscarf

Yesterday while covering a children's press conference where children sent messages to the statel legislators to not close early child development centers, I learned more about Hintil Kuu Ca, a school developed for Native American children, the only one in urban California l that focuses on Native American culture. Hintil Kuu Ca means, 'the Indian's children's place' It was developed by mothers forty years ago, as they moved off reservations and into urban areas where they felt displaced. Now about only 15% of the children are Native American and there is talk of closing the school completely. They showed up yesterday at the press conference and then at the school board meeting. The dancers below are one family.

I was enthralled. The drumming, the plants they were burning, not sage, I'm not sure what and their dances which are prayers were dedicated to open hearts, politicians making the right decisions and sharing their traditions with us. They also led the march to the school board meeting about a mile and a half away where they danced outside the building. Children inside spoke to the directors and then adult teachers got quite adamant about having to prove who they were, they knew who they were and have filled out all the government papers and their school does have Native American children and families and they will not close no matter what the state and school board says.

One of the directors broke out of the agenda which is a big no-no at these meetings and apologized for putting them on the list and said enough history had been destroyed for African Americans and brown people and she didn't want any part in destroying Native American culture and she apologized to them, she was African American. Then she and the VP of the school board who is a Native American came out in the hall and there was a lot of talking and assurances that this school would continue.

I read their FB page today and saw the pleas going out for people to show up at the two events in tribal dress. One woman made a comment about why they have to do that to prove their Native Americans, but understood.

The dancing was exciting, spiritual, meaningful and beautiful. The final facing of the four directions, we all joined in with them.

I'm really grateful I get to learn and then write about all this stuff, it's amazing for me.

I'd like to learn more about them, I think its a fascinating opportunity for me to learn more about these people and their tribes, I felt very connected to them. I took tons of pictures. I hope you enjoy them.