Dr. Nitana Greendeer: A Sustainability Boost for Weetumuw School
Children are already culture keepers at Weetumuw Katnuhtôhtâkamuq, a Wôpanâak language immersion and cultural Montessori-based school for students ages three to nine. When my daughter hears me speaking English, she says, “Speak Wôpanâak!”
The sole act of speaking Wôpanâak reflects the determination and resilience of the Wampanoag: We are the first tribe in U.S. history to effectively revitalize our Native language after having no first-language or fluent speakers for many years. The Mashpee Wampanoag people were the first point of contact during colonization; my ancestors met the Pilgrims on the shores of present-day Massachusetts.
Today, opioid addiction is another epidemic that has disproportionately affected our community. At Weetumuw we believe the best investments we can make to overcome intergenerational trauma–a leading cause of addiction–are investments in early childhood development.
Basing education in Indigenous knowledge nurtures a strong sense of identity and belonging. Incorporating traditional teachings into the classroom enriches the learning experience while using ancestral languages like Wôpanâak strengthens cognitive abilities and cultural continuity.
Together with our families, we envision a stronger future for our school and tribe. We reject the assumption that addiction is an issue Indigenous people will always face; yet we know we have to start with the children. Infusing cultural pride, confidence, and community building into our children’s educational and developmental foundation will increase their resilience.
Through partnerships with Indigenous language immersion schools like Weetumuw, philanthropic leaders show they, too, understand the healing power of culture, language, and community. Thanks to their support, we are strengthening our curriculum by developing 420 lessons in collaboration with Wampanoag knowledge keepers to provide a continuous learning experience without repetition. Our teachers also have and will continue to receive language training, enhancing their fluency and ability to deliver the new curriculum. Additionally, with Better Way’s support, we are building our capacity for fundraising and community outreach to ensure our financial sustainability.
For the first time since we started in 2016, we retained 100% of our teachers; their passion and focus on the needs of students combined with the commitment of Weetumuw families propel our work. Collectively, we understand that to break generational trauma and thrive, we must build strong generations less affected by the harm inflicted on us and focus on our cultural pride and traditions. Together we recognize that culture and early childhood education are the key.
Dr. Nitana Greendeer is an educator, linguist, and researcher who serves as the head of school for Weetumuw Katnuhtôhtâkamuq.