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Chikawa Partnership:
Bridging Ancestral Knowledge and Modern Education

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Overview
 

As a green hub of the community, Furr High School has established a unique partnership with Chikawa, integrating the wisdom of Hispanic/Latino ancestral knowledge holders into our vocational education. Funded by the XQ Super School Project 2016-2024, this collaboration engaged students and the community in rich cultural educational programming, ceremonies, and sustainable practices. Chikawa mentors guide students through traditional farming knowledge, food justice concepts, and cultural celebrations, fostering a deep connection to Mesoamerican traditions.
 

Highlights
 

Cultural Integration and Education:
 

  • Celebrations and Mentorship: Chikawa mentors guide our students and community through rich cultural educational programming and perform ceremonies during significant events, such as the grand opening of our community garden.
     

  • Camping and Traditions: Students engage in camping trips with Chikawa, learning Mesoamerican traditions and the importance of food justice and sustainable farming.
     

  • Sacred Knowledge: Chikawa Aztec Dancers provided culturally relevant practices, including land acknowledgment activities at sunrise and sunset, sacred knowledge sessions in smaller groups, and traditional Mesoamerican dishes.
     

  • Mayan Ball Game: Interns learned and played the ancient Mayan ball game “Ollamalitzli” with a champion from Chichen-Itza, Mexico, enriching their cultural experience.
     

  • Closing Ceremony: The internship concluded with a ceremony from the Chikawa Aztec Dancers, where interns received parting gifts and best wishes for their future endeavors.

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Portrait of a Graduate
 

This partnership supports our Portrait of a Graduate by:
 

  • Cultural Awareness and Respect: Students gain a deep appreciation for their heritage and the wisdom of their ancestors.
     

  • Community Engagement: Participation in traditions and cultural practices strengthens community ties.
     

  • Environmental Stewardship: Learning traditional agricultural practices aligns with sustainable and resilient food systems​
     

  • Reflecting Ancestral Knowledge: This initiative aligns with the focus on Native American communities by preserving and honoring the ancestral knowledge of the Mexican and Central American peoples, descendants form the community we engage with today.
     

Conclusion
 

The partnership with Chikawa enriches our educational programs, providing students with invaluable cultural and environmental insights. This integration of ancestral knowledge enhances vocational education and aligns with the broader goals of promoting sustainability, community engagement, and cultural heritage.

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