Susie Rayos Marmon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Susie Reyos Marmon
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|---|---|
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| Born |
Dawa-Go-Mai-Tsa
1877 |
| Died | 1988 (aged 110–111) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Educator |
Susie Rayos Marmon (born Dawa-Go-Mai-Tsa, 1877–1988) was an amazing American teacher. She was also a storyteller and a historian who shared stories by talking. Susie lived a very long life, over 100 years! She cared deeply about educating children. She taught at the Laguna Pueblo and Isleta Pueblos in New Mexico, USA. Many important people praised her work. These included New Mexico Governor Garrey Carruthers and US Presidents.
Contents
Susie's Early Life and School
Susie Rayos Marmon was born in 1877. Her birthplace was Paguate, a small village. This village is part of the Laguna Pueblo. She first went to school at Albuquerque Mission School. Later, she traveled far from home. She went to Carlisle, Pennsylvania. There, she attended the Carlisle Indian School.
Becoming a Teacher
Susie finished Carlisle Indian School in 1903. She then continued her studies. She enrolled at Dickinson College. After that, she went to Bloomsburg State Normal School. In 1906, she completed her teacher's training. Susie was the first woman from Laguna Pueblo to graduate from a college for white students. This was a big achievement!
Susie's Teaching Career
Susie Marmon had a very long career in education. She taught for many years. Her teaching helped four generations of Laguna children. She was special because she mixed two cultures. She knew it was important to keep her Laguna culture. But she also worked within the system of white schools.
Honored for Her Work
Susie's work was recognized by many. She received honors at the state and national levels. In the 1960s, she joined an important group. This group was the first Commission of Indian Affairs in New Mexico. She helped make decisions about Native American issues.
Special Awards and Honors
Susie Rayos Marmon received many awards. These awards celebrated her dedication. They also honored her impact on education.
- 1971: She was named "Outstanding Indian Woman in the Field of Education." This award came from the North American Indian Women's Association.
- A special sign was put up for her. It is an Official Scenic Historic Marker. It says "Susie Rayos Marmon, 'Ga-wa goo maa' (Early Riser)." You can find it on Interstate 40. It overlooks Laguna Pueblo.
- 1987: New Mexico Governor Garrey Carruthers made April 15 "Susie Rayos Marmon Day."
- 1989: A school was named after her! It is called Susie Rayos Marmon Elementary School. On April 22, they celebrate "Susie Rayos Marmon Day" at the school.
Susie's Lasting Legacy
Susie Rayos Marmon left a big mark on the world. Her family members have also shared her story.
Her nephew, Lee Marmon, is a famous photographer. He included her in his book. The book is called Laguna Pueblo: A photographic history. A picture of Susie on her 110th birthday is in his collection. You can find it at the University of New Mexico.
Her grandniece is Leslie Marmon Silko. She is a well-known writer. Leslie wrote about Susie's dedication. She wrote about Susie's love for education and storytelling. This was in her 1981 book, Storyteller. The character Aunt Susie in the book is based on her.
