Topic Strengths

Science

  

“I am really encouraged when there are alternative educational components that allow positive
experience outside of the norm and it doesn’t
mean it has to be non academic...”

Mrs. Rofkar has the following preferences:

Schools: Terri has a strong preference to work with the older students (grades 6-12) however she has in the past worked with younger students and would be willing to work with students at Keet Gooshi Heen. 

Days: She would like to make trips into the classroom on special occasions (harvesting time—late April).

Times: Throughout the school year, Terri has a flex schedule. The Southeast Alaska Indian Cultural Center (SEAICC) employs her during the months of November (Native American Heritage Month) and February (Elizabeth Peratrovich day) however she is still available during those time periods to work with students.

Areas of Activity

Field Trips/Harvesting: Terri is excited about the prospect of a pairing between the school system and the Forest Service. She is willing to help in the planning and implementation of a spruce root harvesting class. In order to harvest, students must take a boat outside of town (e.g. Kruzof, Fish Bay, etc.)

Storytelling: When telling stories, she utilizes her art (robes, baskets) to help Life experiences based on weaving (baskets tell her stories). Use of baskets.

Small projects: (h.s. level) harvesting spruce root  (goals, logistics,)

Curriculum Workshop (Math and Indigenous Weaving): Terri is willing to offer a 1 day workshop based around this math curriculum (K-12) which incorporates technology, Tlingit language, and basket weaving to cover topics such as: shapes, patterns, angle turns, distance, and symmetry.

Materials needed for weaving projects: Waxed linen (substitute for spruce root).

Role in the Classroom

Cultural Instruction: combined presentations with Marie Laws

Prior Experience: Yakutat Middle Schoolers (harvesting). Cordova. Spruce root harvesting class

Cultural Expertise

 

Education and Life Experience

Education:

Terri attended school in Anchorage, Alaska. In 1979 she graduate from A.J. Dimond High School. She has a deep appreciation for alternative ways of learning, when it comes to her weaving she notes that she has mentored a number of students with “learning disabilities” who show a talent for weaving.  

Work Experience:

The majority of Terri’s work experience comes from working as an artist in residence at the Southeast Alaska Indian Cultural Center. She started working there in 1989, took a break from it to open and operate her own business, the Sitka Rose Gallery, and once again is employed full time during the high season (May—September, November, and February).

Terri does a lot of traveling. She is often invited to prestigious museums to do weaving demonstrations. Some of the places she has visited include: National Museum of American Indians, University of Pennsylvania Museum, American Museum of Natural History, Anchorage Museum of Art and History, Peabody Essex Museum, Holland America Cruise Line, Alaska Native Heritage Center, and the Denver Art Museum.

A Brief Biography

3 children, 2 with GED, 1 PHS

Tadeintaan from, snail house.