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What’s Happening in the Native American Club?
What’s Happening in the Native American Club?
Ciera Tsosie
At Flagstaff High School, the Native American Club is more than a lunch meeting every Tuesday, it serves as a movement. This year’s club is stepping up in a big way, organizing events that highlight heritage while building up the voices of our Native youth. Rooted in culture and community on our whiteboard, you don’t just see plans, but intention. From community service to frybread lessons, every activity centers on our theme: “Strengthening self for a positive future.”
Wow!
Flagstaff Unified School District’s Tuba City Parade Participation (Oct 16-19)
This past weekend, our Native American royalty and club had the honor of participating in the Tuba City Parade, serving as a bridge between our communities as we handed out candy, water, and fruits to parade-goers. Visibility and unity are some of our ultimate goals in the Native American Club. Ahéhee’ to all who organized and participated!
Movie Night (Oct. 28)
We’re thrilled to announce that students voted to host a Movie Night featuring the film The Arrangement, directed, written, and produced by Shonie De La Rosa. Doors opened at 4:45 PM, movie showing from 5:00-6:30 PM. This event doubled as a meet and greet and a way to connect with Indigenous filmmakers. Thanks to all who came to support!
AP Human Geography: Indigenous Culture Presentation (Oct. 31)
Friday, our club was given the opportunity to participate in a collaborative presentation with Mr. Lankton’s AP Human Geography class on how local Indigenous groups have shaped the cultural landscape of Flagstaff. We appreciate our Indigenous ancestors and those who allow us to speak on our history.
Upcoming Highlights:
Indigenous Ambassadorship Showcase (Nov. 7)
Events with Coconino High School! This showcase runs from 1:00-3:00 PM.
Frybread & Culinary Lessons in the Commons (Nov. 10)
A combination of delicious and legacy. Techniques, story, and survival is passed down through these lessons, turning a simple lunch meeting into an opportunity to participate in cultural preservation.
Earth Ambassador Western Regional Gathering (Nov 14–16)
Members will submit Letters of Interest and cultural declarations, highlighting what we’ll do with the knowledge we gain.
Native American Heritage Spirit Week (Nov. 17–21)
From traditional dress days to film nights, Spirit Week is our statement that Native pride is still alive and deserves recognition. Monday is Roc Your Mocs, Turquoise Tuesday, Native Shirt Day on Wednesday, and Traditional Dress Day on Friday.
Navajo Code Talker Presenter (Nov. 19)
Events with Coconino High School! Peter McDonald will share his experiences.
Marshall Mentoring & Indigenous Peoples Day
Reflection and mentorship help us create safe spaces for our students. Not only are they announcements, but a chance for us to check in with our members and student body. Marshall Mentoring participation is held every Wednesday from 7:50-8:40 AM.
Christmas and Valentines Bazaar (Dec. 13, Feb. 7)
Get ready for our festive bazaars this year–as usual our annual Christmas Bazaar and Valentine Bazaar will feature local Native American handmade crafts, jewelry, beadwork and baked goods. These events are a perfect opportunity to support vendors, find unique gifts, uplift Indigenous creativity and support our community.
FHS 47th Annual Powwow (April 17-18)
A celebration of Indigenous song and dance, mark your calendars for this date to honor our Native traditions. Stay tuned to find out more about our volunteer sign-ups and vendor registration.
Unity Midyear Conference (TBD)
The club will also be participating in the UNITY Midyear Conference, where youth leaders gather to share ideas, network, and empower each other in Indigenous heritage and pride. Students attending will gain leadership experience, meet other like-minded students and represent our school with pride. Volunteer hours must be met before participation. 75 hours of community service is required to attend, forms can only be signed off by Aislynn, Brent or Mr. Marks.
Workshops (TBD)
Last year, our Native American Club President led a creative Parfleche Workshop that allowed students to create earrings of their own from the traditional practice of leather painting and design. This year, we’re looking forward to hosting a new Parfleche workshop that continues this artistic legacy. In addition to this, our Indigenous Co-Ambassador will be leading a Leather Pouch Workshop, teaching students how to craft them by hand while discussing their cultural meaning and usage. A Beading Workshop was hosted by our Treasurer in September, showcasing the diversity within Native American crafts and the colorful diversity of our club members!
Why It Matters
When people pass our sign-in sheet or see our flyers, they see events. For us as officers in the Native American Club, we see it as serving our mission to help students find their voices, reconnect with home, and discover belonging at the high school. Anyone is welcome to join our meetings which are held every Tuesday during lunch in room 701.