St. Stephens Indian School Personnel after 1983 in front of the New School
Darwin Griebel, Shoshone, Principal High School
George Moss, Arapaho,Social Worker, Dirctor of Title-Four Indian Programs
Louis Headley, Arapaho, Superintendent
Gale Ridgley, Arapaho, Principal Primary and Elementary Schools
Beth Millard, Shoshone, Executive Assistant
Joyce Durosko,IHM, Former Superintendent
Dr. Neal Casey, Consultant from Stanford Planning Laboratories
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I publish this document as a brief chronicle: From a Mission School to a Tribally Operated School, since this was a very historic moment in the history of Indian Education with the govenment and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. St. Stpehens was the first and last school to receive funding under a special clause of the Indian Self-Determination Act, PL 93-638 that added that 'previously private' schools could apply for construction funding. After the initial seed money the school received $4.2M with an additional $1M for completion of playing fields, heated bus garages, etc. I was privileged to be a part of this historic event and I share it now with you my family.
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Graduation, May 1983 and Farewell Address
St. Stephen Indian School, Wyoming
Written and Delivered By
Joyce A. Durosko, IHM, Superintendent
Welcome to the 99th graduating class from St. Stephens.
I really do not know if they had graduation in those early days, but the first people must have celebrated education and learning in some way. This is an historic occasion tonight. It is important to remember all the events that brought us here to this very moment. Many brave and courageous people were willing and free to look at some new directions for learning and education. And thousands of lives have been touched here at St. Stephens.
These changes began in 1884 when your chiefs asked the Black robes to come to Wind River to educate your children. "The old ways are gone", the people said, "our children must be educated in the new way." And so it all began. I cannot speak about those days for I was not a part of that glorious past.
But I would like to start this chronicle with you graduates in mind. Most of you entered the St. Stephens history of education at the same time I did in August, 1974. Most of you were 5 years old, still playing in the sand, racing your trucks, your tricycles, loving your dolls, maybe afraid of horses, but wondering about that strange place - school. Older brothers and sisters scared you about all those “mean” teachers, and homework, and long bus rides, but on the other hand, they told you nice things about meeting new friends, eating in the cafeteria, having recess, and field trips to the fire department and to the park, and playing in tiny tot tournaments.
Those of you who came to St. Stephens in the Kindergarten were honored to have the one and only Mrs. Petro. Your classroom, if you remember, was located at the spot where the present business office is. I recall the room, partly a storage area with a gas heater at each end of the huge space. There was a doorway (where my office is right now) that led to the stage in the old gym. Mrs. Petro was forever complaining that students were getting into her classroom and fooling with all her toys and equipment. Well, the older students sure knew where all the fun was!
Speaking of Mrs. Petro, I would like to thank her publicly for the dynamic start, the caring, the discipline, the fun, the superb introduction to the academic life that she joyfully gave to hundreds of youngsters in her 16 years here at St. Stephens. Thank you, Mrs. Petro, in the name of all of us. You students were in first grade learning your vowel sounds and diphthongs, and getting used to centers within the new Follow Through program with Sister Pat Kidd and Sister Teresa Frawley OSF as your leaders. But just before Christmas of your first year a shocking announcement came from the Mission personnel.
On December 10, 1975 Father Killoren,SJ. then director, officially informed the mission-appointed school board of the serious financial condition of the school and the mission. A series of emergency meetings were initiated that were to last for a year and a half. On Feb. 18, 1975 there were four proposals for solutions to the crisis that the Mission Board of Directors proposed concerning the school. 1. Consolidate with Arapaho PS District#38, becoming a public school by September of 1975. 2. Continue for a year as is and consolidate in Sept. 1976. 3. Continue the Catholic schools at reduced budget for a year then go public. 4. Continue the Catholic school but limit the grades.
There were great concerns expressed following these announced proposals, such as; the place of religious education, the question of religious garb for staff members involved, and a concern for a hundred years of sacred tradition. Speaking for tradition, but also for change, Pius Moss, an elder and our culture teacher here, and a part of the Mission staff for over 50 years summed up his feelings. "St. Stephens began in 1884. It continues and will continue when we are all gone. We cannot go back to 1884 or even to 1950. We must go ahead. We must face the reality of our problems. Our children are not getting a quality education. Especially grades four through eight are losing out. Money could take care of everything, but we don't have it."
At that time the special FollowThrough Program brought in extra teachers and aides with some funding for grades K-3. Some good and new ideas were being tested. Mr. Moss felt a merger with the public school could be worked out, if necessary, and religion somehow could still be taught-if that is the wish of the people.
In the final moments of this first historic meeting of the Mission Board and the appointed School Board, Father Tony Short, SJ, then director of the school, and the spirited mover during this critical decision-making period impressed upon those attending to be vehicles of communication.. "This is an important role as you will be approached by many people, who will want to know the ramifications of our problem. This meeting commits us all to open discussion... I need to know what the Arapahoe people expect of us-for themselves."
These last words of Father Short are perhaps some of the most significant words he ever spoke to the Arapahoe and Shoshoni people. They offered challenge and. a future for those who could take it. It was a strong call for self-determination!!
So my dear graduates, when you were 6 or 7 years old one of the most important changes that would affect your future lives was taking place in Washington D.C. On Jan. 4, 1975 President Ford signed into law the Indian Self-Determination Act, PL 93-638. This act clearly supported and encouraged the tribes to contract with the Federal government for the operation and control of your own institutions- especially schools and to determine the tribes’ own futures.
On Feb. 20, 1975 at on open meeting with the Bishop Hart, Mr. William James C'Hair took Fr. Short at his word and stood up to express what the Arapahoe people might want for themselves. He said there were four options presented about what to do with the school- but he thought there was one more option. Let the Indian people establish a contract with the BIA under PL. 93-638 and operate St. Stephens School under local Indian control.
Such a new turn of events! There were mixed reactions to the idea of local control from "could we do it" to "what will happen to the sisters and priests who have served us here for one hundred years?" "Will they stay?"
Now there was real excitement about new directions, creative possibilities, but also fears from lack of know-how, of anxiety over who controls what, of other struggles that often occur in small rural communities. But overall there was a feeling of hope, of motivation never experienced before.
My young friends, when you were just finishing your first reading book, were still mastering your printing techniques, and could now count to 100 there was much activity going on practically every night at this school. Your moms and dads and grandparents, and many interested community people were attending meetings and discussions about what they wanted for your future. Everyone cared about what would happen to you. Everyone wanted an excellent education for you. And you have had it.
Communications and discussions took the form of letters, formal and informal meetings, and telephone calls to congressional leaders and local political ads. All the messages were the same. Help save St. Stephens School. We will never know the countless numbers of people who really cared with heart and soul about this school and this mission..
By March 20, 1975 the idea of contracting with the BIA seemed to be the direction most expressed by the majority of you people. But to be sure that everyone had a say so in the events, Board President Richard Brown and board member Charles Manderson took a petition to you and to the other people asking for your feelings and opinions. For several months they criss-crossed the reservation determined that as many as possible could voice concerns and reactions to the proposals.
But there were deep, long-standing resentments about the BIA. Almost 100 years of disastrous BIA relations sharpened instincts toward policies from the government. Was this new contract idea really a covert way of leading to termination? Many of you said if we start managing our own affairs become self-sufficient, then will the government, bound to us by treaty, then suddenly abandon us and break one more promise?
I did not understand these strong and angry reactions and suspicions back in 1975. Nine years later I have been sensitized to the whole gamut of manipulation, false representation, deceit, and the demeaning attitude of the government. But the BIA was not the only concern. For it was important to hear how the mission felt. So now the inevitable question arose. And I quote. "And you- the mission people- what do you say on the rights of Indian people, and the determination of Indians for their own education. How does the Mission stand and how is this respected?"
Father Killoren having struggled with all of these concerns for many months sincerely wanted the tribes to decide for themselves the direction of St. Stephens School. In his open letter urging a decision he said. I quote. . "This is the time for self determination. The future operation of our children's mission school is a matter for the people of this reservation to determine. The choice of the people must be made known.” Your future education, my dear graduates, now hung in mid-air. Would you continue your 3rd grade here at St. Stephens or would you have to go to the public school?
Though it was clearly expressed in Fr. Killoren’s letter, still there was uneasiness about the Mission's commitment to self-determination. Did they really mean what they were saying? More and more, the people were speaking up at meetings forcing clarifications and trying to explain their feelings to all of us serving at the Mission. To the credit of the mission staff this honest dialogue with the tribal people rather than causing upset and defensiveness it allowed for growth in awareness. Indeed a creative era was beginning too, for the sensitized mission personnel.
According to Paulo Freire, a Brazilian educator, “understanding of the poor occurs when people stop regarding the downtrodden as an abstraction and sees them as persons who have been unjustly dealt with, deprived of their voice, cheated in the sale of their labor, their land, their water - when people stop making pious sentimental gestures and risk an act of love.” And there was lots of love risked here for 99 years by hundreds and hundreds of people who cared. But to continue the story…
In May 1976 after months of continuous legal meetings and procedures the BIA approved $267,000 to begin operation of the new St. Stephens School. Senator Gale McGee will always be fondly remembered by all of us because he was the person responsible for securing our initial funding. Mary Newton was our ambassador to Gale McGee all during the negotiation period. She kept alive his keen interest in us. Fr. Short worked closely with Congressman Yates of the House Interior Appropriation Committee.
Telephone calls, letters, and finally a trip to Washington assured everyone that they would support our efforts for St. Stephens. Cong.Teno Roncallio and Senator Cliff Hansen also joined us and even visited us, as did Gale MCGee. They will always remain very dear to the people here on the Wind Reservation and in Riverton.
Telephone calls, letters, and finally a trip to Washington assured everyone that they would support our efforts for St. Stephens. Cong.Teno Roncallio and Senator Cliff Hansen also joined us and even visited us, as did Gale MCGee. They will always remain very dear to the people here on the Wind Reservation and in Riverton.
However, ninety-nine years of history under mission administration was forever engraved in the Arapahoe and Shoshoni traditions. Because of respect for tradition, this sacred relationship with the Mission personnel still exists since most of you still refer to this as THE MISSION SCHOOL though its status has changed significantly.
And it is right that you do. People like me and Fr. Joe and Fr. Tony will come and go and we will have our idea, plans and programs and then we will have to leave you. But this is your home. This is your mission. This is your school. Name it as you wish.
Yes, tradition will continue at St. Stephens. But next year, you will get off the bus a quarter of a mile down the road. And though the school will have moved away physically may its spirit be ever closer with the Mission-the Church. You families, and you beautiful young people, today's graduates, will cause new directions for your traditions. But responsibility for these new events rests with you- the self-determined.
What directions will education take at St. Stephens in the future? I should not dare to answer this question. The responsibility lies with your Indian educators. Let me tell you a little about your new leaders:
Louie Headley- he is a very special man with a heart big enough to love personally all the beautiful children that come to this school. He is always reading and studying trying to find the best way to educate young people. He is a dedicated educator and he will make your community proud. Trust him.
Gail Ridgley- He is a go-getter. He is a master at organizing things, and getting people involved in his meetings and conferences. Aides are getting a college education because he finds money and good programs for them. Gail gave up a scholarship to study for his doctorate degree so that he could remain with you at St. Stephens. That's caring!
Darwin Griebel - He is our P.R. man. He has great contacts with important people in every state and government agency. He has learned the tricky aspects of government regulations, and attends to all the fine print. He loves people, and he loves to talk. He has some good advice to give, too. It must be good because there is never an empty chair in his office.
George Moss- THE QUIET MAN! until he and Darwin get into it! Beth and I have our hands full when these two fellows get rolling. They both add a light touch and keep us all from taking ourselves too seriously. George tries to be macho but he is a very sensitive and caring young man. He jumps to any emergency, and is very generous in helping in any situation. He is going to move into student services next year which involves counseling, and the special education program.
Jim Doyle- Though Jim Doyle will not be an administrator next year he will be an important part of the new St. Stephen Indian School. He is called the Jack-er, Jim-of-all-trades. He was one of the original planners of our Mastery Learning Program. He also offers great insights into Curriculum, special projects, advisory system, board policies, inventories and now computer systems. You name it- Jim has put a touch of himself into it. He has great PR with Billings and Washington. Tax payers- your money is in good hands with JIM!
I would like to mention one more person from our office. Though not a formal educator or formal leader, Beth Millard is both and more. She cares deeply about education and about St. Stephens. She was the very first person hired by the board when the school became a contract institution. She knows more than I about what went on in those days of transition. Beth is forever encouraging young students and adults alike to stick to the books, to finish their education, to contribute back to the community new skills and expertise. Beth waits on everybody. Everyone who comes into our office is made to feel welcome. I sincerely believe, and people have told me so, the warm, caring atmosphere at St.Stephens begins in our office with Beth's cheery, "May I help you?"
But leaders need people - people with the same excitement and energy and caring that they have. St.Stephens school is full of such people. Eugene and Lupe returned to the reservation and to this school to share their expertise and give something of themselves back to the community. Currently forty other Indian people are now a part of this great institution. I wish I could name here all the other 30 dedicated teachers and specialists who serve you at this place. Sometimes we administrators receive the credit for all the wonderful things that go on here. But we know it is a whole team of supportive and loving staff who are thinking and planning for your education 24 hours a day.
Even now teachers are pushing us for schedules and plans for next year. They want to study and prepare this summer. It is obvious these people are not here for the pay check. You young ladies and gentlemen will be our first 9th grade in the new school. In the course of your high school career there will be the usual conflicts and problems as well as the joys and excitement of new friends and new programs. Glance east occasionally, toward the Church and pause for a moment to give thanks for all that has led up to your moment.
Think of the many persons from your tribes and the local townspeople who walked on these holy grounds at one time or another since 1884. Think of all the religious and lay persons who generously and joyously taught you, you’re parents, your grandparents, and even your great-grandparents. Accepting your glorious past, let us now look forward to what is yet to be.
You and I have a lot in common, graduates. Most of us came together in 1974. We have completed a full cycle of nine years. You move to a new site to continue your education and I move to California to study theology. You have matured, gained skills, knowledge, religious understandings, and certainly much experience. For me, well, let me tell you about me...
I have been a guest here on your reservation. A guest comes and is treated as a friend. The guest, hopefully, listens to the hosts and joins in with their plans careful not to impose conditions on them in their own homes, their own country. But of course, a guest does not stay too long. So it is time for me to go. But thank you for treating me as your friend, letting me share your tragedies and dreams. Because I have grown to love you individually and as a people, I want to say one last thing out of that love, especially to these young people.
Your lot in life is not to be suffering. Your people have had enough of that. You were successful in education because you started believing in yourself. You set high expectations, telling yourself over and over there is more to life than bumming around, riding pick-ups up and down the highway, fighting and drinking. Anyone can do that. But you are special. Your graduating class is the brightest, most capable, and talented group in the nine years I have been here. You are the future engineers, doctors, scientists, nurses, and teachers, welders, truck drivers, and secretaries, policemen or women or tribal chairpersons. Do not underestimate yourselves. Expect the most from life and you will get it!
So will this new school and new administration succeed? It will succeed if there are many more acts of love risked for all those beautiful children out there, if there is much listening, and hugging, and sharing, and challenging and especially if there is forgiveness. It will succeed if students hold their heads up; respect their own bodies and minds as well as those of others.
So I have done my small part here at St. Stephens. I want to thank especially, Father Short who invited me and the IHMs to come to St.Stephen’s. The BIA and our friend, Verlin Belgarde have done their part. The marvelous and spirit-guided school board with the sensitive leadership of John Warren has done their part. The Congressmen in Washington have done their part. The religious educators Martha and Sr. Antoinette have done their part. Mission personnel from Fr. Killoren and Fr. Starkloff to Fr. Joe and Fr. Tony have certainly done their part. Your teachers and parents have done your part. So students, it is now your turn-GO FOR IT! CONGRATULATIONS.
HA’ HO (thank you in Arapaho)
Joyce A. Durosko, IHM
Superintendent, St. Stephens Indian School
Naming Day, June, 1983
Sister Joyce Durosko was honored by the Arapaho and Shoshone tribes with an Indian name. After a very beautiful Water Cermoney and other rituals and prayers, my mentor Pius Moss, Arapaho elder and leader gave me the name Hi'sei Noo'ote or "woman of empowerment".
Thanks for reading this long Chronicle which I hope was informative about a very significant time in Indian affairs and my 'affairs' too. Love, Aunt Joyce
Thanks for reading this long Chronicle which I hope was informative about a very significant time in Indian affairs and my 'affairs' too. Love, Aunt Joyce
