Third grade receives visit from Native American educator

‘Mr. Rick,’ a Native American educator of Pequot heritage and co-founder of Hilltop Communities, recently visited Tracy Stadler's third-grade classroom for an engaging rucksack session. 

Carrying seeds, acorns, and other native items, he provided students with a hands-on opportunity to explore the natural world through the lens of indigenous culture. Through stories and traditions rooted in Native American heritage, Rick shared the significance of these natural elements in Indigenous practices, fostering respect and curiosity for both culture and environment.

The session concluded with a powerful demonstration of native singing and drumming, leaving students with a deeper appreciation for the rich traditions and harmony of Indigenous ways of life. As a leader of Indigenous workshops at Hilltop, Rick continues to inspire children and adults to connect deeply with nature and its cultural and ecological importance.