Eastlawn Global Celebrates Native American History Month With Powerful Cultural Assembly
Eastlawn Global Elementary proudly celebrated Native American History Month with a schoolwide assembly led by Kam “Bear Hug” Watkins and Keshia “Running Water” Enoch, citizens of the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation and active members of 7 Directions of Service. Mrs. Enoch also serves as Eastlawn’s PTO President.
The Occaneechi and Saponi peoples, descendants of the Yesah (the People), are Indigenous to the Piedmont region of North Carolina and Virginia. Their presence, history, and traditions continue to shape the cultural fabric of Eastern Burlington and the surrounding communities.
The assembly offered students an immersive experience in Indigenous heritage, beginning with a presentation on traditional regalia—the clothing, beadwork, and adornments that tell stories of identity, family lineage, and community. Students were able to see firsthand how each piece carries cultural significance and reflects generations of craftsmanship and tradition.
Kam and Keshia also engaged students through traditional Indigenous games, explaining how Native children historically used play to develop coordination, build relationships, and pass down cultural values. Students were delighted to make connections between well-known classroom games and the tribal traditions from which many forms of play originated.
In addition, the assembly tied cultural learning directly to classroom literacy. Students explored root words, compound words, clue words, and descriptive phrases, helping them understand how language serves as the heartbeat of culture and a vessel for preserving history.
The Eastlawn community deeply appreciated the opportunity for students to experience the richness, beauty, and pride of Indigenous culture from two respected community members. The assembly highlighted the ongoing legacy of the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation and provided a meaningful connection for students whose heritage is rooted in the tribes of this region.
Eastlawn Global extends a heartfelt thank you to Kam “Bear Hug” Watkins and Keshia “Running Water” Enoch for sharing their history, culture, and passion with our Panthers. Their leadership and authenticity enriched our school community and strengthened our shared commitment to honoring the lineage and traditions of Native peoples.