One of the joys of attending NOAC is meeting interesting new people. One of the most interesting people at this NOAC was Rosetta Le Clair. NOAC 2004 was Mrs. Le Clair's second OA event - she was an honored guest at Indian Summer in 2003. This year she came to NOAC to serve as "honored elder" for the American Indian Activities events. Her granddaughter, Shalah, was "head lady" at the Founders' Day Pow Wow.
A grandmotherly figure, Mrs. Le Clair commands respect while being incredibly open and approachable. She is an Elder of the Oto Missouri and Ponca Nations, and lives in northcentral Oklahoma.
Growing up in Oklahoma in the 30's and 40's, she had to "learn to live in two different worlds", one the modern and the other the world of her grandparents. It was hard growing up and not only because of the hardships of the time. As the granddaughter of the chief of the tribe, she was held to a higher standard of behavior. was unable to participate in some activities with her friends.
She feels that "every day is a learning experience," and "that education is key to survival." She promotes education in native culture, dress, and dance as a bridge to understanding between the two societies. Bridging cultures runs in her family. Mrs Le Clair's great-grandfather was a member of Lewis and Clark's Corps of Discovery, and met her great-grandmother during the expedition.
It seemed that every single person who walked by Mrs. Le Clair had some kind word, greeting, or joke to pass on to her. She truly appeared to be a grandmother to all who were at the dance.
When asked about AIA activities at Indian Summer and at NOAC, Mrs. Le Clair said she that she approves of our work. She thought that the Order of the Arrow was always learning and improving in regards to American Indian Activities.
Revised 8/4/04
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