An evaluation of the Crow Indian 4-H programs

Abstract

During the winter of 1971, a survey was undertaken to assess the 4-H program on the Crow reservation in Montana. The survey was conducted to determine new ways to develop a 4-H program that would be more acceptable to the Crow people. A 4-H interview form was developed to survey five areas of influence on the Crow reservation that are felt to be significant in determining how to develop some new approaches to improve the Crow Indian 4-H program. A population of twenty-five people were surveyed, five of which were white 4-H club leaders and twenty who were Crow Indian adults. An extensive survey was also made of literature related to working with disadvantaged low income youth. The literature covered thirteen books and twenty-eight periodicals. Seven areas of study were surveyed. The information presented in Table 2 indicates that twenty (80.0 percent) of the population surveyed would like to have their youth learn skills and values that are related to the Crow culture. This information is in agreement with what Crow parents say about the 4-H program and what they would like their youth to learn as 4-H members. It was recommended that in the future that the Crow Indian 4-H program include projects and activities that are more closely related to the Crow Indian culture. The knowledge gained from the study of the seven areas of related literature was accomplished to develop ethnic sensitivity essential to working with disadvantaged Indian youth and adults. This information combined with the facts recorded from the questionnaire has provided definite information and insights that are intended to be used as guidelines for developing future 4-H programs with the Crow people by the present Extension staff assigned to the Crow reservation.