November is National American Indian Heritage
,
the ideal time to recognize the district’s Indian Education Program, established in 1976. Since its inception, the
federally-funded program has provided tutoring, career guidance and cultural enrichment programs to thousands of American
Indian students in the district. For the past 25 years, the program has been in the capable hands of native Oklahoman and
Cherokee, Vickie Gambala, with the help of a Parent Advisory Committee.
Staff Bulletin recently met with Vickie for an update on the Indian Education Program. She is quick to point out that the program is family-focused; not just for students. This year, more than 400 students and their extended family members are participating in the program. Several times a month, participants attend a Cultural Awareness Class at Oak Park Elementary. Multi-generations, representing more than 50 tribes, come together to present and preserve their cultural, traditional and spiritual values. Activities include arts and crafts, essay writing, and sharing family stories. The program leads parents to get more involved at schools.
In addition to her work with the district, Vickie is a member of the University of Oklahoma Health Promotions Program, a group established to meet the growing needs in health promotion and wellness for Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and First Nations people. She is a member of the American Indian Advisory Council and has served as a board member for the San Diego American Indian Health Center. Vickie was one of the founders for the Women's Gathering in San Diego.
What are some of the changes you’ve seen over the years?
One of the most significant is the increasing emphasis by our families on the importance of higher education. Parents and
grandparents are now pushing their children to go to college. The result has been a decrease in the drop-out rate and increase in
the high school graduation rate. Many more of our American Indian students are now entering post-high school educational
institutions.
What is one of your fondest memories?
The success stories are the best. Years ago, there was a young man in our program who had lots of problems in high school.
Through the Indian Education Program, he was able to get tutoring, graduate from high school and go on to Mesa College.
He joined the Navy and eventually became a SEAL. He still comes to visit me and after all these years, still credits the
program for his success.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
Continuing to emphasize to parents the importance of getting involved at their child’s school. Every school has a job that a
parent can do. The benefits are invaluable to the school, the parents and most importantly, the students.
For more information, call (858) 627-7362 or visit http://www.sandi.net/depts/pcse/american_indian.html.