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Native American Heritage Month: Honoring the Past by Investing in the Future of Native Children

Name
Erin McDuff
City
Portland
Release Date

In recognition of Native American Heritage Month, USDA Rural Development and the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon have released a video celebrating a unique partnership to provide world-class educational opportunities to young learners on the reservation at the Warm Springs Academy.

Investing in Education, Creating Opportunity for Native Youth” describes how the tribal community’s commitment to the next generation spurred efforts to replace an obsolete, cramped, 1930’s-era school with a facility that supports modern instruction and features the latest technology while honoring Native cultures and traditions.

In an unusual financing scenario, the tribal government and Jefferson County School District 509-J jointly funded and administered this $22 million school complex with the support of residents and taxpayers both on and off the reservation. A USDA Rural Development Community Facilities loan provided a key portion of the capital needed to move the project forward.

Since opening its doors last year, the school has become a source of pride for the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation. For local schoolchildren, Warm Springs Academy is also a powerful symbol of the great value the community places on them, their education, and their future.

The video is now featured nationwide on the USDA website.

President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses, and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way—strengthening America’s economy, small towns, and rural communities.