Testimonials

What are people saying about the Partnership?

"Monte Yellow  Bird visited our classrooms 7 - 12, What an experience,...Educational, definitely!! is a word that come to mind. It is a experience that everyone should share, you will walk away with a better understanding for Art and life"

Tara Hagar Art Education - Pelican Rapids,Minnesota

"Thank You ! Monte,  It was truly a pleasure to have you here at BECEP, and thank you from Art Venture!           Peace, Amy - Bismarck ND

“The Partnership” operated by Emily and Monte Yellow Bird has provided the Fargo Public Schools with invaluable cultural educational programming. Monte and Emily Yellow Bird have proven outstanding leadership abilities.  The Warrior Shields and the Winter Count were both great hands on projects that made everyone evaluate their lives, both past and present.  We are looking forward to having them come back and do more presentations.  Emily and Monte Yellow Bird are held in high regard in the Fargo Public Schools! 

Thanks for your many fine contributions!

-Melody Staebner 

Fargo/Moorhead Indian Education Director, Fargo ND                                                            

Thank you again for your kind way with the children.  You are both such wonderful role models and teachers!  The children and teachers really learned a lot from you and enjoyed themselves very much!  

- Pam  Lambert         

Principle at Wilkinson Elementary, Williston ND                                                      

Wonderful workshop!  Really enjoyed the native folk tales that were shared.  Kids were enthralled.  Explained all elements of the art thoroughly and on a level students could understand.

Strengths of the workshop?

Making shields, discussing/ interpreting heritage, accomplishments, goals.  Storytelling by Mr. Yellow Bird

Teacher in the Williston Area Elementary School, Williston ND

...."Winter Counts, storytelling on buffalo hides" presentation by Monte and Emily Yellow Bird.  Our students in grades four through seven thoroughly enjoyed and learned immensely from the program.  Students were able to complete a small winter count art project that explained where they come from, who they are and setting specific goals for themselves.  The Yellow Bird's spoke to our students about the evolution of Tribal people and monumental accounts of family oriented people.  They talked about the changes that have shaped Tribal people from traditional folkways to modern day expressions such as music, literature, world events and art. 

I highly recommend the Yellow Bird's for students to learn the history and culture of Tribal people.  There program was well received  and Trenton school hopes to have the Yellow Bird's come back in the future to speak to our students about the Warrior Shield project.

Riley Mattson                                                                                    Elementary Principle                                                                               Trenton School

“The students enjoy the project and when finished, they were very proud of their shield and wanted to do more"......" now a main resource for the Fargo School District to use for many different projects with the schools.”

Kim Belgarde
IWI Education Coordinator
5th Grade Teacher, Bennett Elementary
Fargo Public Schools

Artist in Residence, Jamestown ND Public Elementary Schools 

"Thanks for a super 2 days. Whish it could have been longer. Maybe next time"

"I greatly enjoyed this artist!"

"I really like the idea of making a shield with their goals and achievements...it was amazing to see the ideas they came up with"

"Students love the story telling"

" Strong motivation techniques"

What part of the residency can you utilize with your students either later this year or in following years?

• "I use the respect discussion already.  I will use the theme idea again."
• " I liked that he asked the students to find out were their ancestors came from.  I want to go more in-depth with that.  I also liked how he said he was not Native American and he would refer to his family background.  But, that we are Native Americans because we were born on this land."
• Reflect on the students goals, accomplishments and values and see in they have changed in anyway
• How to organize idea and put those ideas to work, Set goals and work toward completing those goals on time.

Gussner, Washington, Lincoln, Louis Lamour, Roosevelt,St. John's Academy Elementary School, Jamestown ND

Artist in Residence - Sponsored by the Jamestown Art Center, Jamestown ND