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The Chumash people have always valued education – whether it was gaining wisdom from our elders about the traditions of the tribe or learning about the world from teachers outside of the tribe. Our ancestors instilled in us a curiosity that served us well throughout the years and provided us with the ability and desire to learn. Our Education Committee consists of seven elected members of the tribe whose vision includes strengthening the connection within the family, the tribe and the community, expanding individual horizons and driving student success. Along with the Education Program Director, the Education Committee sees its primary mission as creating, sustaining and enriching a Chumash learning community. A few of their goals for the academic year include:
Through the tribe’s scholarship program, a portion of expenses are paid for any Santa Ynez Chumash student who wants to pursue a higher education (university, community college, vocational or trade school). The tribe pays for tuition, books and supplies, housing, transportation and other expenses related to obtaining a higher education. Last year the Education Department launched a successful Academic Tutoring and Mentoring program that is designed to match students with qualified teachers in critical subject areas. The tutors connect with schools and teachers, encourage computer literacy in projects and help develop learning skills beyond homework completion. Also launched last year was the Inezeño Chumash Language Program. Initially a vision of Chairman Armenta, the language program is a major project of the tribe as we expand the goal of cultural preservation and education. Managed by the Education Committee and staff, the classes are offered for children and adults. The instructor, Dr. Richard Applegate, took his doctorate in Inezeño Chumash language from UC Berkeley and his original work can be found at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. You can check out the language program at www.chumashlanguage.com The Education Department established a Computer Lab in 2002 and offers computer instruction for both adults and children in scheduled courses taught by qualified instructors. A few other programs include:
Recreational programs and special events are an important component in the Education Department. Athletics includes basketball and wrestling teams that compete in local leagues and travel to regional competitions. Horseback riding and education classes are offered through the local equestrian center. Chumash families have participated in special events sponsored by the Education Department, including a whale watching and boat trip to Santa Cruz Island, the Santa Barbara Zoo and Turtle Sanctuary. Last summer the Education Department combined education, tradition and recreation into its summer program, “It Takes A Child to Build a Village.” For this special program, the University of California at Santa Barbara, the warden of the 6000-acre Sedgwick Reserve, invited the tribe to adapt a program based on its “Kids in Nature” model. The partnership with USCB offered a six-week program that incorporated tribal culture and environmental science with visits to USCB touch tanks, Hollister Ranch tide pools, the Knapp Painted Caves and a jet boat excursion. To see a video of our Summer Youth Program, click here.
Education
Committee: Education Staff:
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