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 Honoring
The Past, Challenging The Future
Success at Wyoming Indian Schools stems from a belief in the importance of Native
American
traditional and cultural values combined with modern educational outcomes.
While preparing the youth of the Wind River Indian Reservation to function in
an increasingly
complex and technological society our district stresses the importance of the
values and heritage
of the "old ways." Reliance on the strong cultural traditions of the
grandparents and great grandparents is integral to education on the Wind River
Reservation. |
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Wyoming Indian Schools represent a dynamic and culturally-integrated community
effort. In an
atmosphere of mutual understanding and awareness, the district has earned the
respect of the
community. Its strength is in its concern for students, who must be proficient
in an ever-changing world economy without losing the substance of a proud tradition
and community
values. |
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 Historically,
the Shoshone and Arapaho people learned in a nontraditional
manner - they did not read or write. Functional education
was passed on as a hands-on experience from mothers, fathers,
uncles, aunts and grandparents. Meaning, purpose and values
were transmitted orally through story telling - the purview
of the tribal elders.
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 As
Native Americans were moved to the reservation, mission and government
schools followed. Tribal youths were ordered to boarding schools,
effectively
isolated from their parents and grandparents. They were forbidden to speak their
native tongue and forced to learn English. |
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 Without
their native language, they were effectively disenfranchised
from not only the oral tradition, but from a meaningful association
with their elders. One can only imagine how this marooned and
disconnected a society of people. Many elders in the community
experienced the government boarding school years. Among them,
Ben Friday, Jr., Chris Goggles, Abraham Spotted Elk, Verna
Thunder, and Starr Weed were devoted to finding a better way.
Their lifelong efforts spearheaded a community-wide effort
to bring respect, accomplishment, and dignity to school children
on the reservation. They instigated and promoted the effort
to build the reservation school district as we know it today. |
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 In
the belief that students are better able to learn when they
enjoy a healthy self image, Wyoming Indian Schools strive to
play a positive and supportive role in the educational process. |
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 New
staff and administrators receive an orientation to the local
culture to eliminate any initial misunderstanding in their
relationships with the students and the community. By design,
teaching efforts enhance the self-esteem of students, while
conducting fair and orderly classes with high expectations
for student achievement. |
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 Wyoming
Indian School employees consider it a privilege to teach
in this creative and interesting environment. Rare is the
opportunity to explore the world through modems and fiber
optics on the internet, while also gaining insight into
the Native American perspective, sharing the importance
of the Sun Dance or the elders' stories portraying the
spirit and ways of the coyote, or the bear, or the eagle
or the beaver.
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Mission
Statement
" ...empowering students to become successful individuals and citizens who can adapt to living within two worlds; a constantly and rapidly changing world, and one of cultural awareness and tradition."
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 The State of Wyoming provides Hathaway Merit and Need Scholarships to Wyoming students attending the University of Wyoming and Wyoming community colleges. Every Wyoming student who meets the merit requirements can earn a Hathaway Merit Scholarship. Contact the Wyoming Indian
High School counselor for more information. 332-9765 ext. #120
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The Fremont County School District #14 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its educational programs or activities. Inquiries concerning Title VI, Title IX, may be referred to Michelle Hoffman, Superintendent & Coordinator for the Office for Civil Rights, 307-332-3904 Inquiries concerning Section 504 may be referred to Pamela Frederick, Section 504 Coordinator, 307-332-2992 or all inquiries may be mailed to the attention of the coordinator at Fremont County School District #14, 638 BlueSky Highway, Ethete, Wyoming 82520.
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638 Blue Sky Highway
Ethete WY 82520
(307) 332-9765
Site designed by The Webwright
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