The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) are taking bold steps to bridge the literacy gap among Native youth. With a $150,000 grant from the Meyer Memorial Trust, the tribe is set to launch a culturally rich early literacy initiative aimed at empowering children ages 0 to 6.
✨ Blending Tradition with Education
At the heart of the program lies the power of storytelling. Elders will share traditional tribal tales, which will be beautifully illustrated by Native artists and developed into engaging, age-appropriate learning materials. These will be used not only in early education classrooms, but also in training programs for parents, guardians, and child care providers.
The goal? Help young children learn letters, numbers, colors, and shapes—all within the cultural framework of their community.
🏫 Community-Based Learning Hubs
Programming will be delivered in key locations across the reservation, including:
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Átaw Miyánašma Learning Center
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CTUIR’s Head Start classrooms
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CTUIR Senior Center (for intergenerational learning)
The initiative is set to begin mid-April 2025 and run through May 2026, ensuring a full year of immersive, culturally grounded education.
📉 Addressing the Literacy Crisis
National statistics paint a grim picture: Only 43% of fourth-graders read at grade level—and among Native American students, that number plummets to just 18%.
CTUIR’s project aims to change that.
By grounding early literacy education in Native language and tradition, the program not only fosters reading skills but also strengthens cultural identity from a young age.
🤝 United for the Next Generation
Partnerships with groups like the InterMountain Education Service District will provide essential training and support for educators and families.
“We want our children to enter school ready to learn—just like every other child,” said Zenaida Lyles, CTUIR’s Grant Writer. “And we want to make sure they grow up connected to the stories and wisdom of our elders.”
This grant represents more than just funding—it’s an investment in future storytellers, leaders, and learners who will carry the legacy of the Umatilla forward.
