Tuesday, September 27, 2005

"Who's Who of American Women"



Gwendolyn Foote-
honored to be published Marquis
“Who’s Who of American Women” 2006-7
Silver 25th Edition

Tuesday, September 13, 2005

Gwen Foote Teaches at Oglala Lakota College

September 2005
I received a certification for Special Education K-12, completing Gifted and Talented endorsement from University of South Dakota this next year. I have taught as a certified teacher with a degree in Elementary Education on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation for 5 years.

As Equinox approaches, I am enjoying teaching college for Oglala Lakota College. I am on the faculty for the Department of Education instructing courses in child development and methods of teaching math /science.
Below (l to r) is a former student of mine, Jasmine, Mary Anne Stoutsenberger of NASA education department (who also works with NASA "SHARP" Program), & me, Gwen Foote. Mary Anne was great moral support for my graduation and received a star quilt, a traditional thank you gift.





Oglala Lakota College provides it's residents opportunities of higher education in a variety of fields. This was the first year with graduates from TV Production department.
Cmdr John Herrington (Chickasaw Native & first Native American to travel in space) spoke as keynote speaker for this year's ceremonies. The ceremony was held on traditional PowWow grounds, with teepee, to honor Lakota Culture.
I am grateful to be able to give back to OLC for it's inspiration and educational expertise to allow me to teach the children here.
Pilamaya.


Tuesday, September 06, 2005

Alta Ha Monument & Belize Rain Forest

Belize, Mexico; August 2005
Our Cruise finished with an excursion of Belize.
My sister, Jo Ann and I tour a river boat ride through part of the rain forest terrain to a little village in Belize. The local natives were pleasant and helpful in our exploration. We saw iguanas, crocodiles, monkeys, and bats. It was tranquil and inspiring.




Our guide Gus was Mayan himself. Gus informed us of the living conditions of his people. Belize enforces the rule of all children going to school. They have about a 95% literacy rate. Children go off to college in other countries. The children are multilingual, speaking Mexican, English, and their native language Mayan. While it might be termed a brain drain on the country, they have many come home with something to offer as contributing citizens. There are also many who come to Belize to live. Belize seems to be a multicultural country and are proud to be many colors of people. You can't tell a native by the color of their skin. They range from very light to dark but are all Belizian first. The children were well mannered and very impressive. Was it a beautiful exciting experience? As they say in Belize, "you better belize it!"

The protected area of the ancient village of Alta Ha was spiritual and awesome. It consisted of several monuments and buildings in a spatial design creating 2 quadrantal court areas. It is located inland from the Belize coast.






I got to climb the excavated monument of Alta Ha. The burial sites were untouched while the living areas gave an enlightened view of the living habits of the ancients.






Last day of the cruise, Hurricane Katrina paralleled us as we headed north to the states. We caught some rain and saw thunder storms to the east of us.
We docked at Galveston about the time Hurrican Katrina came inland, so all ships on course to Florida and Louisiana docked at Galveston, too. It was a busy day Sunday.

Saturday, September 03, 2005

A Cruise with my sister and friend of many years!

September 2, 2005
In August, my sister Jo Ann, and I went on a cruise to the Yucatan Peninsula to experience coral reefs, ancient Mayan Pyramids, Central American lifestyle, and (of course) enjoy the cruise ship atmosphere and food, and almost rubbed elbows with Hurricane Katrina. We could see the edge of the hurricane with thunder and lightening just to the east of the ship.





It was an experience that we both enjoyed and will remember. We docked about the time Hurricane Katrina hit shore just east of us.





We also met some great new friends and participated in shore excursions including submarine dives.












Snorkeling and Cozumel Beach were relaxing adventures in the holiday cruise.


It’s great to have sisters that you’re best friend with after __ years and I have 2, my younger and older. Darlene & I graduated from Gatesville High School, 1971 & 1975.