Salford schoolchildren rebuild friendship with American Indians

UNITED: Stephen Coen and Albion pupils

By Samantha Cordon

Salford school children are reigniting historic links with a native Indian school in South Dakota, originally forged over 100 years ago.

Pupils at Albion High School will be sending gifts to their new friends in South Dakota, USA.

The culture box, to be sent this week, is destined for Red Cloud Indian School, Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. 

It is part of a much larger project to unite the schools, rebuilding connections first made with the Lakota Indians when they camped in Salford for six months in 1888 as part of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show.

Salford Councillor Stephen Coen researched this historical link after seeing a picture of the Indians in a local pub in Manchester.  He said: “I think in six months you make a big connection with an area and they definitely did, they even broke a few hearts during their time here.”

Sarah McGrath, Assistant Head Teacher was keen to be part of the partnership after completing their own project on Native American culture last year.  She said: “It is important for the pupils to have a shared understanding of each others’ cultures, past and present and an understanding of their own cultural identity.

“Most importantly, they are learning that pupils regardless of geography, ethnicity, background and socio-economic status face similar, if not the same challenges and issues.”

The parcel contains a combination of donated items and gifts designed by the pupils, all with a Manchester theme. 

Bethany Lambert, 15, said the pupils had decided to make a booklet with interesting facts about their school, Salford and Manchester.  Bethany took pictures of the school to include in the booklet.

The pupils have also exchanged letters with Red Cloud students describing their interests and the similar problems they face of struggling to make friends at a new school.

Osob Ahmed, 14, said: “I’ve really enjoyed getting involved, we are a lot more privileged than they are which makes you appreciate what you have, but we are surprised that they are just the same as us too.”

Visit Manchester donated Manchester branded caps, t shirts and books; the Manchester United Foundation donated football coaching manuals and Carl Lowe, Managing Director of Microcare Systems donated a full Manchester United football kit.

Mr Lowe said: "Football is a great way of communicating, you don't need to speak the same language, have the same culture or socio-economic background - kids just love kicking a ball about, that's the way they communicate - no preconceptions, no judgments."

Miss McGrath said the teachers from both schools are keeping in touch via Skype and have decided  that the next project will be on cultural heroes. 

There are also plans to give the Salford pupils Lakota language lessons, taught by Red Cloud teacher, Denver American Horse.  Jamie Parker, 14, has already learnt one word, ‘Kola’, which means friends forever.

Everyone involved in the project is excited about where the partnership might lead, however the main focus is to let it evolve naturally and allow both schools to learn about each other by interacting and not through history books.

Councillor Coen added: “They are telling us about their culture directly, and that is the key for me. Social technology breaks down barriers, and we are creating long-term friendship, not patronising but by mutual respect.”