The Edmond Sun

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  • PATTY MILLER | THE EDMOND SUN Boulevard Academy Principal Jim Carlile helps Sydna Yellowfish show off her Pendleton blanket given to her for being chosen the 2010 Native American Woman of the Year by Changing Winds Cultural Society.

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April 9, 2010

Edmond teacher wins Native American Woman of the Year

Patty Miller The Edmond Sun

EDMOND — Sydna Yellowfish, Edmond school district’s Title VII teacher, has received the 2010 Native American Woman of the Year award by Changing Winds Cultural Society.

This is the first year for the honor that will be given annually at the Miss Indian Oklahoma City Competition and Performance.

“I think being recognized by other native and non-native women in Oklahoma City to receive this award is a great honor,” Yellowfish said.

Selected as the Indian Educator of the Year for 2008-09, Yellowfish is Otoe Missouria, Osage, Pawnee and Sac-Fox, and she has been employed by Edmond schools for 25 years as the Indian Education Coordinator.

Boulevard Academy Principal Jim Carlile said, “Sydna also has just been asked by the National Indian Education in Washington, D.C., to serve on a panel to discuss ‘Best High School Practices in Schools for Native American Students.’” She will serve on the panel of 12 representatives April 25-28.

“I think when you look at the recognition Sydna has received in the last year, I don’t know where you could find someone who has accomplished as much or is more deserving,” Carlile said.

Oklahoma has the largest number of Indian students in the United States, and Edmond schools’ Indian student population represents five percent of the total local school population. Yellowfish and her staff provide educational as well as cultural programs and activities.

Yellowfish said one of the reasons she enjoys teaching is because she enjoys learning about history and the cultures of other people and sharing that knowledge with her students.

Yellowfish and her husband Edward reside in Oklahoma City. They have three sons and one daughter-in-law.

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