June 2, 2016 — May 14 was a day of awards and giving thanks to many for their service, taking place at Redhawk Ranch Native American Retreat Center in Wimauma.
It was all about Title VII, a federal grant program that came to Hillsborough County Schools four years ago.
The designation Title VII refers to students with Native American and Alaskan Native roots.
The Hillsborough County School District, staff and parents of the students who qualify, can thank Dr. Ken Gaughan for bringing the federal program to Hillsborough County.
Gaughan was supervisor of school social workers for the whole county at the time, but has since retired. At the celebration May 14, he was given a plaque with a feather, and named Wise Owl.
“I heard about it at a conference and found out it was mostly used in states where there are reservations, or that have a heavy Native American population,” Gaughan said.
He investigated it and brought the idea to Hillsborough in 2013.
Immediately, school staff began to review forms sent out at the beginning of the year on which students identified their ethnic background, and Caucasian, African American, Native American or other diverse family backgrounds.
“We found that about 9,000 students (or their parents) had checked Native American, but maybe only 100 actually had proof — and the federal government doesn’t give the Title VII designation (or funds) unless there’s some form of tribal ID card,” said Rachel Bruns-Brice, Title VII school social worker. Bruns-Brice said one of the main focuses is to explain to those who say they have Native American blood how to find the proof they need.
“There are only three Title VII programs in Florida,” she added.
Bruns-Brice, Kristine Hensley, supervisor of student services and grant writer for the program, and Myrna Hague are the only three paid staff for Title VII.
It has been introduced to all 267 schools, said Gaughan.
Many of the duties, programs and events are left up to the Parent Advisory Council and volunteers.
Shannon Durant is the current chairwoman of the Parent Advisory Committee. She and husband Chris have two boys, Jarred, 22, and Jeffrey, 13.
Chris’ grandfather was the last recognized Chief of the Mechoopda Tribe.
“His grandfather sits on the Membership Voting Council,” Shannon explained, “and so does Jarred. When Jeffrey comes of age, he will as well.”
Some of the things Title VII earmarks funds for are focusing on high schoolers getting good information about college and other secondary schools. The students are tracked on test scores, attendance and behavior. Only recently has Title VII been able to get into the middle and elementary schools, Shannon added.
A lot of sensitivity training about ethnicities for school staff and students is also included in the grant.
Parents do cultural awareness, participate in powwows, and have finally brought “Native American Heritage Month” (which nationally is in November) to this county, declaring a proclamation that is recognized in the schools.
Dugg and Lori Smith were the first family on the Parent Advisory Committee and still volunteer. Dugg’s dad was Cherokee, as is proven by his tribal cards.
Ruth Noland is a member of the Alaskan Inupiaq Tribe through her grandmother and mother and says she remembers her grandmother living in a sod hut.
“They lived way, way north, farther than Canada, on that strip that reaches out of the top of Alaska,” said her husband, Steve.
Steve is also on the Parent Advisory Board because they have two sons, Chris, 18, and Remi, 14.
“A flier was sent home one year, and we found out about it that way,” Steve said.
Teal stoles are made each year by the parents for seniors who are graduating, with a large gold feather sewn on each side.
This year they were also given to two juniors, because they wanted to wear them in their senior class photo, although they may not wear them at graduation.
This year, the senior who received a stole May 14 was Miranda Augustine of the Puyallup Tribe. Graduating from Strawberry Crest High School with a 6.57 GPA, she is student number 352 out of 12,679.
Two juniors receiving stoles at the event were Christopher Tingookruk Nowland, Inupiaq, who is also the chaplain of his Boy Scouts troop; and Allison Pfister, Cherokee.
Shannon Durant gave flowers to retiring school board member Carol Kurdell for her help in informing the school board of Title VII.
The main award of the day, “The Everyday Heroes Award,” was given to Brenda and Bud Hoshaw, owners of Redhawk Ranch and Native American Retreat Center, for their help raising funds, allowing free use of their land, and the many hours of teaching tribal history, ceremony, customs and more.
This is only the third year for that award. In 2014, it went to USF Professor Julie Baldwin, and the second year to the National Native American Law Student Association.
“I was so surprised I cried,” said Brenda Hoshaw.
A piece of the plaque got broken somehow before the presentation, and Durant offered to replace it.
“I want this one exactly as it is,” Brenda said. “I’m so surprised I don’t even know what to say.”
Redhawk Ranch also helps Boy Scouts Troop 661, which was camping there the weekend of the event. Scout Leader David Mortus said it was the only place that did not charge them for camping, and also said every member of the troop had earned his Indian Lore Badge there.
The troop helped park cars and direct people at the Native American Arts Festivals in December 2015 and last April.
People who go to the Monthly Celebration Circle festivities helped raise more than $3,000 for the troop in the last two years.
To learn more about Title VII, go to the Hillsborough County School Board site (www.sdhc.k12.fl.us) and type Title VII in the search area.
To find out more about Redhawk Ranch, its activities or its small shop, The Native Way, call 813-634-5352.