By Tami Watt, Editor. Photos by Edu Dept.
SALAMANCA- Winter enrichment programs keep kids busy while school is out. The Seneca Nation Education Department (Allegany) made the break educational, cultural, and fun!
In an initiation by the Education Department to incorporate culture and education programs into school breaks, they provided five days of activities open to all students.
The week of events started off with tubing in Ellicottville, a healthy foods presentation, reading time, and Seneca language lessons. Various Nation departments offered their services for the week. Andrea Spako from the Health Center provided yoga sessions, Robin Crouse went over the benefits of good hygiene, and Tony Rovito warned against the dangers of bullying, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
Kory Dowdy, Christopher “Ceby” Bomberry, and Chris Miller played ga:wa:sa’ (snowsnake), a traditional Seneca game, with the boys while the girls cleaned white corn with Lynn George.
Students wrapped up the program by cooking a traditional meal of roast corn soup, fry bread, and of course skon dogs.
In all, Lynn George, Community Events Coordinator, saw the program as a great success with hopes to continue to offer educational programs during school breaks and even start their JOM program back up.
“The curriculum we provided worked really well with the kids. They all seemed to enjoy the activities and presenters as they were very well behaved and interested,” said George.
