“What could be more important than the development of our children and all that goes into fostering their growth and childhood? What we can do is making sure they are immersed in culture but also strong development,” – Jason Salsman
WETUMKA – Students enrolled in the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Daycare system in Wetumka now have a new facility to play, learn, and grow. The Nation cut the ribbon on the Wetumka Child Development Center on Monday, June 1. Guests at the opening ceremony toured the facility and playgrounds featuring Mvskoke and Indigenous cultural motifs.
During opening remarks, MCN Principal Chief David Hill remarked that the facility serves future generations of Mvskokvlke. The Tribe’s goal for the center is to make students feel at home, especially for those who live on the Mvskoke Reservation south of I-40. For Principal Chief Hill, making students feel at home means incorporating Mvskoke culture, language, and imagery into the classroom.
“These kids are the future generation. We want them to feel at home,” Principal Chief Hill said. “Adding our culture and history to this building, it’s all about investing in our youth.”
National Council Speaker Randall Hicks echoed Principal Chief Hill’s comments. “As Muscogee people, we understand that our children are sacred gifts,” Speaker Hicks said.
He is excited to see the positive impact the center will have on the Wetumka community.
“The lessons they learn today will shape the leaders, language speakers, educators, and community members of tomorrow. When we invest in early childhood education, we invest in the future strength of our Nation,” Speaker Hicks said.
MCN Secretary of Community and Human Services Carmin Tecumseh-Williams remarked that the Nation’s daycares are special because they teach students from a young age what it means to be Mvskoke, and set them up for success.
“Our children will not only be taught manners, they will be taught our culture and our language,” Williams said. “We are the beginning point of who they are to become successful, progressive Creek people. That’s what we set out to do and that’s what we’ll do here.”
The Wetumka Child Development Center is located at 602 OK-9. The Nation will cut the ribbon on another Child Development Center in Okemah on Monday, June 8, at 10 a.m. That center will be located at 309 North 14th Street, Okemah, OK.
