Maxine Crouse Dowler facts for kids

Maxine Crouse Dowler (born February 4, 1933, in Quaker Bridge, New York – died December 23, 2015, in Salamanca, New York) was a very important teacher and leader. She worked hard to improve education for children, especially those from the Seneca Nation. She was part of the school board in Salamanca, New York, which helps Seneca and other Native American children living near the Allegany Reservation. Maxine was also the first Seneca person to join the Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) for Cattaraugus-Allegany.

Helping Seneca Children Learn

Maxine grew up on the Allegany Reservation and was a member of the Seneca Nation. She cared deeply about the education of Native American children. Her work was especially important during the twenty years after the Kinzua Dam was built. This dam was made to stop floods in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Life Changes for the Seneca People

Building the Kinzua Dam meant that hundreds of Seneca families had to move from their homes. They moved from their farms to new areas. One area was near Salamanca, called Jimersontown. Another was near Steamburg, New York. These moves were big changes for the Seneca people.

Keeping Culture Alive Through Education

Maxine worked hard to create special education programs. These programs helped the Seneca people get used to their new lives. At the same time, they helped them keep their Seneca language, culture, and traditions strong. She wanted children to learn new things while also remembering their heritage.

Amazing Results in Education

Maxine helped start and shape many successful programs. She also brought in many talented people to help.

Teamwork for Success

• Thomas E. Hogan was a historian. He helped as a teacher, a home school helper, and someone who found money for programs.
• James Burnet and Tony "Mac" Diange were great lacrosse players. They started the first lacrosse program for students in the school district.
• Peter Peterson, Michael Green, and Kevin Reed helped connect with the community. They offered advice, helped students find money for college, and managed many programs through the Seneca Educational Foundation.
• Avery and Fidelia Jimerson were leaders from the Coldspring Longhouse. They helped Seneca children learn about Seneca social dance music and dance. They even made a record album called "Seneca Social Dance Music."

Big Achievements for Seneca Students

Thanks to these efforts:

• The Seneca language was taught in Salamanca Public Schools for the very first time.
• The number of Seneca children who dropped out of school went down a lot. Over ten years, it dropped from 78% to just 11%.
• The education of the Allegany Seneca people improved greatly. They overcame many years of challenges caused by poverty and unfair treatment.