I FOR THE PAST WE ABE GRATEFUL... FOR THE FUTURE WE ARE DETERMINED |
! robeson county Indian Youth research a 1
i proud and unique indian heritage |
I Many theories and histories have been written about the
Indians of Robeson County-some by Indian historians; others by
hon-lndian historians and anthropologists. However, regardless
of the many and varied theories and histories, the Indian youth of
Robeson County are no longer content to accept what has been
printed without further searching into a proud and unique past-a
past which without question is founded in Indian heritage.
The legacy of the Robeson County Indians is one of pride,
strong identity, self-reliance and strong determination. This
legacy is being instilled and continued the young Indian
students who are participating in historical- research projects
sponsored by the Title IV Part A Indian Education Project of the
Robeson County Schools. In addition to self-growth and
development, the students have undertaken activities and
projects which will build upon sound documentation and
historical records for future research for many generations.
The Historical Research Project began in the fall of 1980 under
the fc*%glplnk of Lew Barton, local Robeson County Indian
author and historian. Classes were conducted for high school
students from Pembroke? Fairgrove and Magnolia High Schools.
Students had an opportunity to develop a renewed interest and
appreciation in thier Indian heritage based on Mr. Barton's
extensive research and writings.
In the fall of 1981, Glenn Burnett, Jr., Coordinator of Youth
Development, supervised the program and activities during
which time students began individual research and group
projects. In addition to increasing their knowledge and
awareness of their rich and proud past, students also gained
additional skills in research, map skills, writing and data
collection. A Robeson County map was used to locate all Indian!
cemeteries in Robeson County. In small groups, and later as
individual projects, students surveyed each of these Indian
cemeteries and compiled a comprehensive listing of all visible
burials and markers within each cemetery. This project has been
considered as 90% complete due to the fact diat there still exists
many small family cemeteries which have not been surveyed and
listed. Projected plans for the 1982-1983 school year include a
completion of these cemetery listings for the publication of a
comprehensive hating of Indian burials in Robeson County.
1 'llrlWwBIl l?T!fcifietferyte*edreh, students participating In the
Historical Research Project began to develop family geneo logics
using information secured from their immediate families, their
relatives, the census information and other historical documents
made available to the students. Research activities have included
viewing microfilm at the Robeson County Public Library,
records at the Department of Archives in Raleigh, and research
trips during Easter vacation to the U.S. Department of Archives
and History in Washington, D.C. As a result of these activities, a
collection of historical records, reports and other relevant
materials are being housed in special collections.
Since a great deal of the history of Robeson County Indians has
depended upon oral histories provided by Indian families,
students began interviewing the oldest members of the various
Indian communities in Robeson County. Outlines for individual
interviews were developed and students identified elders in their
respective communities for taping oral interviews about events,
activities, lifestyles and other pertinent information relative to
Robeson County Indian history. These taped interviews are also
being housed as part of the special collection on Robeson County
Indian history.
In the summer of 1962, selected students enrolled in a six
week program at Pembroke State University where they learned
to polish their Interviewing techniques, were introduced to
video- taping, and spent three weeks in field experiences under
supervision for both recording and video-taping oral history
Interviews with elders in various communities across the County.
Beginning with the 1962-83 school year, students will continue
to {krtfcipat^in die Historical Research Project and will begin to
develop written reports, creative stories, and transcription of the
oral histories, all of which will culminate in printed copies of
these materials.
The benefits of these programs and activities will extend
beyond the students who have gained new knowledge and basic
skills in research, writing and data collection to the larger Indian
community. Armed with documentation, these youngsters will
have made a great contribution to recording in print, the history,
heritage and legacy of ROBESON COUNTY INDIANS.
' BECKY LOWOIT af " j --- High ScM ?i WILLIE VON ROOKS ?TJBmI^IMmiiM^
JB y MOT
WILLIAM P. LOCKLEAR of South Robeson High School looks on while ILENE OXENDINEot
South Robeson High School and ANITA GALE SANDERSON of South Robeson High School
locate their community Indian cemeteries on the pictorial county map and locator cards
developed by the Historical Research Class.
MERRILL HA SKINS of Magnolia High School and ANGELA BLANKS of Magnolia High School
Interview MS. RUTH GODWIN of the Saddletree Community relative to llfeatylea, economic
conditions, education, boosing, land ownership and values and customs during her early yean
growhig up In Robeson County.
*
In Commemoration
and Observance of
NORTH CAROLINA
INDIAN HERITAGE
? WEEK
September 19-25
JIMMY M. HUNT, JR. of Sooth Idbnw School and LOME
ANN LOCKLEAR of Magnolia School ooarvh for geaoologlcal
Information on their ancestor* by aaing Iho card Be of hwtalo hi
ladtaa comoUrtea throughout Robooon County.
I Title IV Part A Indian Education Project |
ROBESON COUNTY SCHOOLS 1