JOM an important tool in Indian education

Wanda Blackwood Scott Chickasaw Tribal Legislature

The Johnson-O’Malley Act was passed by the U.S. Congress in 1934, and amended in 1936, to subsidize education by the federal government of Indian children.

This important program, often referred to as JOM, continues to operate in its original form today. JOM is a very important element in providing good quality educational and cultural opportunities to our Indian students.

Our tribe receives funds from the federal government and in turn contracts with public schools within the Chickasaw Nation to provide these supplemental programs. It is important to note that our tribe also provides its own funding to help Chickasaw and other Indian students achieve in school.

JOM programs include tutoring, incentives, school supplies and field trips. All the JOM efforts are directed at helping Indian students understand the importance of school and giving every opportunity to advance and be successful.

JOM programs at individual schools are overseen by a committee of parents of Indian students enrolled in the school district. There is always input on the local level.

In the Chickasaw Nation, our JOM programs cover a total of 52 schools and 7,100 students.

Examples of JOM programs include the Chickasaw Nation Summer Enrichment Program. Our tribe partners with the Ada Public Schools to provide Indian students in grades six through nine with summer classes in math, science, language and art. Students also enjoy cultural activities, including flute making, stickball stick making, silversmithing and pottery.

Indian students grades nine through 12 can experience the Joint Tribes Summer Youth Conference. This conference focuses on leadership development and trips to culturally important areas.

Each year the Oklahoma JOM Conference brings together Indian students from across the state, including many Chickasaws.

A very special program developed by Gov. Anoatubby is the Governor’s Honor Club. Indian students in grades three through 12 are rewarded for academic excellence. Honor roll students receive Walmart gift cards plus a great t-shirt with the Honor Club logo. All Indian students, both Chickasaw and non-Chickasaw, can participate in the program. The coordinator of this uplifting program is Beth Campbell.

I am writing this article just before Thanksgiving, and I wish everyone the happiest and healthiest of holidays. We are so very fortunate in the Chickasaw Nation, and we have much for which we can be truly thankful.

God bless you!