March 10th, 2015 Last Updated on: March 10th, 2015
Red Cloud Indian School recently shared the good news that one of their teachers, Philomine Lakota, has been nominated as a ‘LifeChanger of the Year'. The LifeChanger of the Year is an annual program from National Life Group that recognizes and rewards K-12 education professionals and school district employees. Any member of the school’s staff is eligible for the award as long as they are making a positive difference in the lives of students.
According to Red Cloud Indian School, Philomine has taught the Lakota language there for nearly a decade and has championed language revitalization efforts throughout the community, including publishing a Lakota children’s book: Shota and the Star Quilt.
Here she is speaking about the importance of language at the first annual Maȟpíya Lúta Owáyawa Lakȟól’iya Wičhóthi (Red Cloud Indian School Lakota Language Camp) last year:
Positive, Happy Energy at the 2014 Red Cloud Lakota Language Camp from Red Cloud Indian School on Vimeo.
Judging from the comments left on her profile page, her community has nothing but praise for Philomine.
“Philomine is a role model for the Lakota way of life—she teaches us, guides us, and walks with us daily,” says Melissa Strickland, Project Coordinator for Red Cloud’s Lakota Language Project. “Not only has she worked tirelessly to help create and edit the school’s new curriculum, but she has also worked hard to build Lakota thought and philosophy into the curriculum.”
Ten top finalists will be chosen later this Spring. If Philomine is chosen as one of the top ten finalists, she will receive a cash prize for both herself and Red Cloud Indian School. Good luck Philomine! If you want to wish her well you can leave a comment on her profile at http://lifechangeroftheyearnominees.com/2015/02/06/philomine-lakota/
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