The Wyandotte Nation officially dedicated the new Wyandotte Nation Education Center in the name of the late Carla Culver, the first Director of Education for the Tribe, on Wednesday, May 21.

“Today we gather with full hearts and deep gratitude to celebrate a woman whose life was defined by dedication, by compassion, and a steadfast commitment to education in our community,” said Wyandotte Nation Chief Billy Friend. “Carla was more than just a teacher, more than a leader, she was a trailblazer. She was a nurturer of young minds and a guiding light for our Tribal Nation.

“Today as we formally dedicate this building, we do more than just place a name on the wall, we lift up her legacy. This Center stands not only as a structure of brick and mortar, but as a living testament to Carla’s belief in the potential of every child.”

Carla’s son, David Culver, spoke on behalf of the family Wednesday.

“She devoted her professional life to the betterment and education of Wyandotte citizens, in particular Wyandotte children,” David said, adding that it was a great day to come together to honor her memory. “The Nation certainly got their money’s worth for mom’s service. She worked countless hours and always as a professional.

“Mom would be so happy to see such a great turnout, she would want to know what you are all doing and why you are not working,” David added to laughter from those attending the dedication.

Carla was a longtime resident of the Wyandotte area and a proud member of the Wyandotte Nation. Her mother, Gladys Powell, was a member of both the Wright and Pipe Wyandotte families. Carla graduated from Fairland High School in Oklahoma. She received her Associate of Arts Degree from NEO A&M College in Miami, Oklahoma, and her Bachelor of Science Degree from Missouri Southern State College in Joplin, Missouri.

Carla began her career in the Wyandotte school system, first as a substitute and later as a full-time teacher before serving the Tribe in 1986. Chief Friend said just a year later in 1987 she became the first Education Director, a role she held for 24 years with passion and purpose.

The Wyandotte Nation received an Indian Child Welfare grant, initially funding the childcare program. When the initial grant ended, another grant proposal was developed to start a preschool with Carla. The program was one of four that was funded in the United States and it began with 30 students.

“For those who don’t know, when we first started the preschool, it was actually the brick building – the only building left standing from the old Indian school up on the hill,” Chief Friend said. “That is where it all started for the Turtle Tot program.

Chief Friend said under Carla’s leadership, the Tribe’s educational programs flourished. In 1993, the Wyandotte Nation Preschool was nationally recognized as a model for early childhood education, an achievement that reflected her vision and relentless commitment. “She understood when we invest in children, we invest in our future and she made sure our future was bright.”

Also in attendance was Carla’s longtime assistant, JoAnn Manning; Tammy Charles, who took over for Carla and continued the program’s excellence; and current education director Cristi Hudson and Lindsay Cooper, the Early Childhood Program Coordinator.

“May every student who walks through these doors feel the warmth of her spirit, may every teacher carry forward her legacy of compassion and excellence, and may this building forever echo the values that Carla Culver held dear: Commitment, community, and the enduring power of learning,” Chief Friend said. “So on behalf of the Wyandotte Nation today, we dedicate this building with profound respect and heartfelt gratitude to Carla Culver.”

David said the day was to remember her legacy and her commitment to excellence. “Recently, I was at her grave not far from here. I observed that you could see this new building from there. For those of you who worked for her, no doubt that oversight is not unnoticed.

“On behalf of mom and our entire family, I want to say Tizameh and thank you for this great honor, memorializing her professionalism, dedication and service to the people of the Wyandotte Nation,” David said.