WASHINGTON – Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs David W. Anderson will speak on March 18 at 10:00 a.m. (PST) at the Chemawa Indian School, a Bureau of Indian Affairs operated off-reservation boarding school for grades 9-12 in Salem, Ore., bringing his message about the benefits of healthy life choices and positive thinking to an assembly of students, parents, faculty and staff. This is the second in a series of visits the new assistant secretary will make to BIA field offices and education facilities during his administration. He addressed students and met with school officials at Sherman Indian High School in Riverside, Calif., today.
The Chemawa Indian School is the oldest of four BIA-operated off-reservation boarding schools. The school was founded in 1880 as the Indian Industrial Training and Normal School and eventually renamed Chemawa Indian School in 1885. Chemawa’s 841 students represent dozens of tribes from 17 western states, including Alaska.
The Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs oversees the BIA school system, which educates approximately 48,000 American Indian children in 184 elementary and secondary day and boarding schools located on or near 63 reservations in 23 states.
WHO: David W. Anderson, Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs
WHAT: Anderson will visit Chemawa Indian School, an off-reservation BIA boarding school in Salem, Ore., to view facilities and meet with students, parents, faculty and school officials.
WHEN: Thursday, March 18, 2004, at 10:00 a.m. (PST) (Q&A with press to immediately follow remarks)
WHERE: Chemawa Indian School Auditorium, 3700 Chemawa Rd. N.E., Salem, Ore., Phone: (503) 399-5721
Directions: From I-5 take Keizer/Chemawa Road exit to Chemawa Road. Go east on Chemawa Road for approximately one-half mile until reaching Chemawa Indian School sign on right. Turn in and proceed to guard station.
Note to Editors: Credentialed media covering the event should be in place by 9:45 a.m. Press seating will be provided. The program will begin at 10:00 a.m.
