Natives Program

2295 Four Oaks Grange Rd.   
Eugene, OR 97405

Phone: 541-790-5900   
Fax: 541-790-5905

Program Director: Brenda Lee Brainard, brainard@4j.lane.edu
Program Mentor: Joe Brainard, brainard_j@4j.lane.edu

Mission Statement:

As a Native American/Alaska Native Community, we encourage our children’s growth by using cultural teachings in a nurturing environment.

Program Description:

The Natives Program is federally funded through the Indian Education Act of 1972, as amended by No Child Left Behind. The acronym NATIVES stands for Native Americans Towards Improved Values in Education and Society. Through this program students are able to receive an education and participate in multiple learning activities at no charge.

The program serves students in the Eugene School District 4J who are:

• Members of a tribe, band, or other organized group of state
• Federally recognized Indians, including those tribes, bands, or groups terminated since 1940
• Child or grandchild of any such member mentioned above

-or-
• Eskimo, Aleut, or other Alaska Native

-or-
• Considered by the Secretary of the Department of the Interior to be an Indian

There is no specific blood quantum requirement. Students do not have to be enrolled in their tribe.

Program Goals:

• To provide supplementary tutorial assistance in the basic skill areas of reading, language arts, math, science, and study skills

• To provide culturally related events and activities such as bimonthly cultural classes, Pow Wows, family/community events, field trips, summer and weekend camps, and middle school activities

• To provide incentives for students to improve their attendance and move toward graduation through student clubs, study groups, self-confidence, alcohol/drug prevention, career awareness, and leadership training events

• To assist students in making culturally appropriate regalia, including purchase, design, and completion

• To provide opportunities for students to learn dance styles and drumming

Program Highlights:

• Tutoring in reading, math, language arts, and other topics

• Mentoring to assist in school/peer interaction

• Assistance with future educational planning through provided college and scholarship information

• Multiple opportunities for extracurricular activities such as summer camps and field trips

• Maintained cultural connections through classes, family/community events, and monthly newsletters

• Classroom speakers and presentations, mini Pow Wows in the schools, and an extensive learning library

Regular Events:

• Regalia – 2nd & 4th Monday of every month

• Read & Feed – 1st & 3rd Wednesday of every month

• Drumming – 2nd & 4th Wednesday of every month

• Dance – 1st & 3rd Tuesday of every month

• Summer Camp – starts the week after school is out