"Meeting Rain in South Dakota has had a profound impact on how I understand and teach Native Studies at Bellcate. I am forever grateful."
~ Angie, Special Educator
In the summer of 2017 Jesse Bell (School Administrator) and Angie Bell (Special Educator) participated in an immersion training at Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Angie was excited to learn more about Native American History as well as about current issues facing Native Americans to shore up Bellcate School’s Native Studies program.
Jesse was inspired to learn more about yoga healing for generational trauma that was also covered during the week-long training with Sean Corn. “The training was unlike anything I have ever done before,” said Jesse Bell “It pushed me on so many levels and the community of people we learned from and with will be livelong friends.”
Since their return, Jesse has been able to move his yoga classes from static postures to include a trauma informed flow series. Due to the progress of Bellcate’s group yoga class, they will be taking a trip this spring to the Kripalu Yoga Center in Massachusetts.
Angie has utilized her new learning and resources to expand curriculum and to network with local Native leaders. Bellcate School has hosted so far this fall:
- Melody Walker Brook, of the Elnu Abenaki tribe, is an educator, activist and artist.
- Chief Donald Stevens of Nulhegan Abenaki Tribe.
- Sue Herne, a representative from the Akwesasne Cultural Center.
Through our study of indigenous cultures and inquiry into family ancestry, Bellcate School was proud to learn that greater than 30% of our student population are direct descendants of Native Americans. This has been a gift to learn as Bellcate School values self discovery as an essential part of our therapeutic program.
Finally, our Native Studies classes are following the legislative process as Native Nations work in Washington to prevent the delisting of grizzly bears in Yellowstone Park. We look forward to hosting Rain Bear Stands Last, a Cheyenne Historian and activist from Wyoming as a fundraiser this spring.
“Meeting Rain in South Dakota has had a profound impact on how I understand
and teach Native Studies at Bellcate. I am forever grateful.”
-Angie, Special Educator
Please visit Bellcate School’s website regularly for updates on our journey.
