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The Powwow in the Schools Program brings Native American culture to the public schools in Central Texas and builds awareness and understanding of one of Texas’ most significant minority communities. Powwow in the Schools is a program where American Indian master artists and craftspeople visit classrooms to present their expertise to school children.
The Great Promise Inc. has developed an educational program focused on American Indian art and culture for the Central Texas Area Students.
As a result, the Powwow in the Schools program that is currently in operation in the Central Texas ISD. Powwow in the Schools focuses on educating students about the traditional culture of Indians, including art forms passed down from generation to generation, either within a family or within a community.
This program gives students the rare opportunity to interact with some of the finest tradition-bearers from several different tribal communities in an intimate classroom setting. Before the artists visit the classrooms to discuss and demonstrate their work, The Great Promise Inc. orients the host teachers on American Indian culture, and provides them with curriculum guides and activities to aid classroom discussion before and after the artist's visit. The week before the Powwow in Austin, participating students have the additional opportunity to see the traditions discussed in the classroom come to life in the vibrant and exciting atmosphere of the powwow.
The Great Promise Inc. will hold its 17th annual Powwow in the Schools program on Oct. 29-31, 2008, which bringing traditional American Indian artists into several classrooms at several Central Texas School Districts, Students in grades 4-12 will have the opportunity to interact with contemporary American Indian artists. Powwow in the Schools focuses on educating students about American Indian cultures.
This year, students will learn about the traditional and contemporary art forms of storytelling, ceremonial regalia making, and beadwork, each having been passed down from generation to generation, either within a family or within a community. Accomplished artists will demonstrate their crafts and talents in Sunset Valley, Austin and Pflugerville classrooms in 2008.
He is a Traditional Dancer and Eagle Dancer as well as Flute Player and traditional/social drum singer and songwriter. Mark is also experienced in the entertainment business and can provide you with professional, dependable performance. Mark Baez, an educator/trainer/ presenter and musician will entertain groups of all ages.
Mark teaches Native American dance, music and culture. He coordinates his efforts with elder members of the Native American community. He is based in San Antonio, Texas, and welcomes people of all ages and ethnic origins. Mark promotes cultural understanding, diversity, and education. Mark is of Mohawk/Maya/Trascalan descent. His wife and children are of Lipan Apache/Mohawk descent.
After serving two tours in Vietnam, Dr. Garza received his Bachelor's degree at the University of Houston and his Master's in Social Work and Doctorate in Political Science, at Michigan State University. He now lives in San Marcos, Texas and performs flute concerts for various organizations and functions. He also gives individual flute playing lessons.
Dr. Garza is also a published poet who participated in the Flor y Canto performances popular during the 1970s. Dr. Garza is currently writing a play and screenplay based on the Coahuiltecan People's repatriation of their sacred remains. He is a member of the Meakan/Garzas Tribe
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