New Club Brings Native American Youth Together

     “In the last 30 years, there have been a few Native American youth groups meeting at Arena Elementary,” said the school’s Administrative Assistant, Bernadette Maul.

     “We’ve had some, but none as regular and as well organized as Ann’s.”

     Twice a week, a steady group of about seven 4-8thgrade AUES students meet voluntarily in Room 17 to participate in Ann Sanchez’s Native American Club to drum, sing, play hand games, do home work, and learn about their Native American cultures.

     “It’s a space to get together, a big space of their own, and a chance to be among other Native American students to do what they want,” said Sanchez, the school’s Native American Liaison and paraprofessional. “I grew up with these opportunities.”

     As a Paiute growing up in the town of Alturas, in north eastern California, she had similar opportunities through the American Indian Education Center there, which helped with professional development, counseling, tutorial services, and the study of her culture.

     After graduating from high school, Sanchez worked for Alturas’ American Indian Education Center as an administrative assistant before moving to Manchester in 2013. Currently, she studies at Sonoma State, and, as a senior, will graduate this May with a BA in Liberal Arts and a minor in Art.

     Sanchez’s Native American Student Club begins with a Talking Circle, where students, sitting in a circle, check in with her about their school attendance, grades, homework, and general well being. Sanchez’s goal is to “get them where they need to be.”

     “It’s about expectations,” she said. Sanchez sets a weekly goal for each student and a reward. In the last few months, she has awarded milkshakes from Pirates Cove Restaurant to: a student who successfully attended school every day for a week; a student who stayed out of the principal’s office for a week; and, a student who raised her math grade to an “A.”

     “Before I started, teachers were asking me, ‘Are you sure you want to do this?” “But the students keep coming back. I’m not sure if it’s because it’s basketball season, or if I am having an effect on them, but they’re making progress!”

Comments from Native American Student Club members, and thoughts about each from Ann Sanchez:

Lilly Ramirez: “I like being here because everybody I know is here!”

Ann Sanchez: Lilly’s an amazing and talented young woman. She is very artistic, draws and sings as well, and her personality is sweet, sensitive, and intuitive. 

 Mateo VanCleave: “I like it because we talk Native American culture and religion.”

Ann Sanchez: Mateo is outgoing, athletic, and, academically in great standing. Mateo is almost always up for a challenge and puts his best foot forward when needed. Without a doubt, this young man will achieve whatever he sets his mind to.

Cody Chavez: “It’s not boring. We learn more about being a Native American.” 

Ann Sanchez: Cody is a seemingly quiet young man. He has a great sense of humor with an infectious smile. Cody is doing very well academically and in sports. I’m looking forward to seeing Cody on the honor roll again for the second semester.

Jolie Torres: “We learn about our culture more, and have fun doing it.”

Ann Sanchez: Jolie a strong, hardworking young woman. When she puts her mind to it, she can accomplish anything.

Carlos Coria: “I like to be here. We do fun activities.”

Ann Sanchez: Carlos is a sweet young man. He is doing amazing in his school work. He is one of the quiet ones — very attentive, a hard worker, one who gets everything done.

Jayden Imperial: “It’s fun!”

Ann Sanchez: Jayden is an amazing and respectful young man. Not only a wonderful older sibling, but very intelligent. When he puts his mind and efforts to it, he will be successful at anything. And, he makes me laugh!”

Salvador Martinez: “I like being here because I like exploring our culture.”

Ann Sanchez: Salvador is a young man with a big heart, always thinking of others, and one who works hard academically. (Salvador is Ann's son.)

Participating parents in Ann Sanchez’s Native American Club:

Kelley Coria: “When I grew up, there wasn’t this kind of club. I wish there had been.” Kelly is Carlos’s mom.

Sal Martinez: “Ann’s getting there, as the year goes on. She’s developing and solidifying courses to benefit our Native youth.”

Sal is Ann’s husband, Salvador’s father, an elected Point Arena School Board Member, and Secretary of the Manchester Band of Pomo Indians of the Manchester Rancheria. He is learning the Pomo language, a language spoken by Native American communities east of Mount Shasta, Lake Tahoe, and the Yuman peoples along the lower Colorado River.