4J Natives Program

Over the last decade, several hundred Native American students and their families helped design, carve, and paint a series of totem poles for the Eugene 4J Schools’ NATIVES program. Five were installed outside Eugene schools, often with the burning of sage and traditional drumming. Now—after criticism from some other local Native people—those same poles will be removed.

The Bailey Hill area of west Eugene resonated Saturday with the pounding of a rawhide drum and Native American singing. It was from a “back to school” pow-wow organized by the 4-J School District’s NATIVES program.

A new Oregon law lets Native American students literally put a feather in their cap for graduation ceremonies. Many Native students have worn eagle or…

The long-time director of the 4J School District’s NATIVES Program is officially retiring this month. Brenda Brainard has headed the cultural and…

Two Eugene schools were bestowed towering, hand-carved totem poles yesterday, by the 4J NATIVES program. COVID-19 delayed delivery of the first pole to…

For Eugene 4J students who don’t have transportation, getting a free school meal can be difficult. But a couple has been delivering lunches to low-income…

At Wednesday night’s Eugene 4J school board meeting, the Natives Program gave a presentation about its impact on students.Community members highlighted…

Tuesday, a large totem pole was installed at Sheldon High School in Eugene. As KLCC’s Brian Bull reports, the pole is the culmination of a…

Oregon’s Native American students largely struggle to keep pace with their non-Indian peers. Graduation rates and attendance are low, while dropouts are…

For the first time in its 45-year history, the 4-J School District’s NATIVES program has started work on a totem pole. KLCC’s Brian Bull reports.About a…

Local Native Americans held resetting ceremonies for two renovated totem poles for the City of Eugene Saturday. KLCC’s Brian Bull reports. At the Amazon…

The status of a Native American program for regional K-12 students is uncertain, following President Trump’s latest budget plan. KLCC’s Brian Bull…