New Somerton teachers get introduction to Cocopah culture

Somerton teachers new to the district received a firsthand lesson on a tour of the Cocopah Indian Tribe Reservation Tuesday.

For the 18th year, 26 elementary school teachers and five coaches from the Somerton School District were invited to tour the tribal areas and learn about the various tribal enterprises.

"These are new teachers and the goal is to introduce them to the members of the Cocopah and their children who they will interact with throughout the school year and have a point of reference for future contact," said Cheryl Bradstreet, director of public relations.

Among a myriad of business operations, the Cocopah just broke ground on the Wild River Family Entertainment Center, which includes a bowling alley, arcade, laser tag and banquet room facilities, as well as the Cocopah Conference Center with 4,000 square feet of meeting space.

The Cocopah, known as the River People, have lived along the banks of the lower Colorado River for the past several centuries, maintaining traditional beliefs throughout many political and environmental changes, Bradstreet said.

On the West Reservation, teachers were given a tour of the Cocopah Museum by Director Lisa Wamstall, who also helped prepare and serve a full-course luncheon for her guests later Tuesday. But before enjoying Cocopah hospitality, teachers were afforded the opportunity to meet with tribal directors including Cocopah Tribal Police Department, Youth Home and the Head Start program.

Kim Seh, Somerton School District director of professional development, led the delegation of teachers and coaches.

"If teachers understand kids' culture and history, it will help to develop lesson plans that engage students and give them more empowerment, she said. "And then teachers are able to integrate those lessons into the social fabric of Yuma County and beyond."

Amy Quinto, an Orange Grove Elementary School kindergarten teacher, said though many of the teachers are just in their first year in the district, it is not their first year of teaching.

"I lived and taught in Japan for two years and I like including culture and language in the classroom. I think it's important that children learn about the world they live in  and the broader world they'll encounter once they graduate."

Quinto also said since she moved to Yuma two years ago, she has wanted to learn more about indigenous people. During the orientation, she felt she got to know about the family life of the children who will be in class later this month.

"Understanding someone's culture and how they were raised helps with instruction and communicating with family members so we can provide the best education for our students," she said. "Today Paul Soto, a tribal council member, had some nice words about his teachers when he was a student and that was inspiring to everyone in the room."

Lydia Rodriguez, a Somerton mentor who is responsible for observing teachers' classroom instruction and making recommendations for best classroom practices, said what was most impressive about the orientation was they learned that children do not arrive in school "empty, or as blank slates" but have an extensive history and customs. Teachers need to see how they can use that background to help children be successful in the classroom.

"I think it's important that teachers learn the message of the Cocopah Council but of course it's not just about the Cocopah but applies to all students."

---

William Roller can be reached at wroller@yumasun.com or 539-6858.