Information About Archeology

Record Year For Native American Scholarship Program

By Margaret Howard

The 2006 TAS Native American Field School Scholarship Program in Paris Texas had the highest participation since the program began in 2003—12 scholarship recipients from 6 native groups!  From the Caddo Nation of Oklahoma came Marilyn Threlkeld and her son Travis.  Dewey Tsonetokoy Sr. of the Kiowa Indian Tribe of Oklahoma attended his fourth consecutive field school.  Tribal Historic Preservation Officer Pare Bowlegs represented the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma.  Returning from the Tap Pilam/Coahuiltecan Nation were Jesús Reyes Jr. and his son Julian, and they brought daughter Alexis to her first Field School.  Three members of the Delaware Nation historic preservation office attended: director Tamara Francis, Jason Ross, and Somier Harris.  Participants Nancy LeMieux and her son Kenny are from the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.

These eight adults and four youth took part in excavation, survey, and artifact processing.  They observed the care and respect that TAS members use to document archeological evidence of prehistoric Texas.  Scholarship recipients also contributed to the field school experience by providing a lecture, a native craft demonstration, and traditional story telling.  Their presence provided TAS members with an opportunity to meet and know descendants of the native people who once inhabited Texas.

Participation in the 2006 Native American scholarship program was spurred in part by increased recruiting.  These efforts were supported by TAS, so that donations could be reserved for scholarships.  In November 2005 TAS sponsored a booth at the Austin Powwow to distribute information about the scholarships.  In May 2006, Multicultural Committee members Margaret Howard and Jose Contreras traveled to Oklahoma and met with leaders from 10 tribes who had received letters inviting them to participate in the program.  Tribal representatives cordially received us and learned about TAS, while sharing information on their efforts to preserve their culture, language, and sites, and pass that information on to their youth.

Dewey Tsonetokoy Sr. took part in some of the tribal visits.  He also arranged for an interview with the Anadarko Daily News, resulting in a front-page story on TAS and the scholarship program.  The story and Dewey's letter to the editor (excerpted here) provided region-wide recognition for TAS.

We look forward to continuing the Native American scholarship program at the 2007 Field School in Menard.  Due to the record turnout in 2006, financial reserves are reduced.  Please consider donating to the 2007 Native American Scholarship Program, and help promote understanding among the diverse cultures that have called Texas their home.

Get Involved in TAS Field School!

You too can participate in the Texas Archeological Society field school. Each summer students age 7 to 97 enjoy learning about Texas' past.

The Texas Archeological Society Native American Field School Scholarship Program is supported entirely by donations. If you would like to contribute, please contact the TAS business office by phone (800/377-7240), fax (210/458-4870), or E-mail; or write to Texas Archeological Society, CAR at UTSA, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249-0658.

Travis and Marilyn Threlkeld of the Caddo Nation of Oklahoma, Jason Ross and Somier Harris of the Delaware Nation, and Dewey Tsonetokoy Sr. of the Kiowa Nation of Oklahoma assisted with the excavations.	Pare Bowlegs of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma instructed field school participants on twined bag making during an afternoon workshop.

Alexis and Julian Reyes of the Tap Pilam/Coahuiltecan Nation were enthusiastic participants in youth group excavations and other activities.

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