OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Silver Creek Superintendent Dr. Katie Ralston, left, recognized Mary Williams, Native American Education Program Coordinator, right, for her efforts with the district. Williams was gifted a sweatshirt and received a round of applause from the Board of Education.

By BRADEN CARMEN

bcarmen@observertoday.com

IRVING — A recent Silver Creek Board of Education meeting was held off-site at the Seneca Nation of Indians Early Childhood Learning Center library. The switch in location was made to allow for the Board of Education and district administration to appreciate Native American heritage through a series of celebrations preceding the meeting.

Once the meeting began, the district recognized one of its leaders in Native American education within the district.

Mary Williams, Native American Education Program Coordinator, was applauded for her efforts with the district by the Board of Education and Superintendent Dr. Katie Ralston. She was also gifted a sweatshirt, then gave handshakes and hugs to many who filled the room.See NATIVE AMERICAN,

“There are many ways Mary supports the Native American students, as well as the broader school community,” Ralston said, while noting Williams is responsible for writing and implementing the district’s Title VI grant and is also the facilitator of the Title VI Parent Committee.

Williams also led the implementation of the district’s Indigenous Honor Society, which held its first Induction Ceremony a year ago. The district stated, “The Indigenous Honor Society was created to find a cohort of Indigenous students that have compassion for others and the academic discipline to succeed. It is hoped this cohort of students will continue to support one another and find ways to support those around them while being active in their communities.”

As a member of the Tri-District Regional Group, comprising Silver Creek, Gowanda, and Lake Shore school districts, Williams also facilitated a series of cultural events for all three districts.

“Mary, thank you for everything you do at Silver Creek and everything you add,” Ralston said to Williams.

Ralston, Williams, Director of Curriculum Michelle Helmer, and Business Administrator Lisa Rohloff also recently attended a meeting with the Office of Indigenous Education from the State Education Department. Helmer noted the district again advocated for the certification of Seneca Language teachers.

Ralston concluded her comments as Superintendent by thanking the Seneca Nation for allowing the district to hold its meeting at the Early Childhood Learning Center.