American Indian Ethnologist Visit 5th Grade Students at Dormont

As part of their studies on American Indian culture, fifth grade students at Dormont Elementary school recently welcomed a familiar face to their classrooms. Bob Schwartz, who many students know as the driver for Bus #11, is also one of 23 American Indian ethnologists in the United States!

Mr. Schwartz is certified by the Smithsonian Institute and works part-time conducting research on American Indian culture and history based on artifacts that he receives from the Smithsonian. He has been adopted by both the Seneca and the Kiowa tribes and participates in the rituals, ceremonies and traditions of both tribes.

Mr. Schwartz discussed how American Indians utilized everything around them to make what they needed. A buffalo, for example, was useful in numerous ways – raw hide would be used to make canteens, drums and tools. The fur of the buffalo would be used to stuff pillows. A process called “tanning” would soften the rawhide so that it could be shaped into arrows, boxes and bags. Teeth and cartilage from the buffalo would be used for tools and utensils.

“American Indians were the original recyclers,” Mr. Schwartz told the students. “They found a use for everything and didn’t let anything go to waste.”
He also discussed constructing a teepee and showed students his headdress, which is made from feathers that he earned for acts of kindness.

“This is the second year that Mr. Schwartz had visited the fifth grade students at Dormont and, once again, he has knocked our socks off with his knowledge of American Indian culture and history,” Mrs. Lori DeMartino said. “He is a tremendous resource for this country, and especially for our community at Dormont Elementary School.”

Click here to view more photos from the presentation.