Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas Holds Grand Opening of Tribal Student Services and Early Childhood Language Learning Center
The Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas (KTTT) held the grand opening of its Tribal Student Services Center and Early Childhood Language Learning Center on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, in Eagle Pass, Texas.
KTTT Interim Tribal Administrator Gabriela Garza and Tribal Education Administrator Aliya Jaffer welcomed the guests and tribal members in attendance at the historic grand opening ceremony.
Jaffer introduced the KTTT Tribal Council Members including Chairman Juan Garza, Jr., Secretary Freddy Hernandez, Sr., Treasurer David Trevino, and Council Members Kendall Scott and Daniel Gonzalez, Sr.
Jaffer congratulated the KTTT Tribal Council Members for their visionary perspective of the importance of education to the children of the KTTT as well as perseverance in completing the development and construction of the state of the art educational and language learning center.
KTTT Chairman Garza welcomed all tribal members, guests, and guest of honor, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick. Garza stated the grand opening of the new Tribal Student Services and Early Childhood Language Learning Center is a historic event and will provide the tribal children an opportunity to obtain a great education and learn about the rich traditions and language of the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas.
Jaffer also introduced the ceremony’s guest of honor and keynote speaker, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick. KTTT Tribal Council Members presented Lt. Governor Patrick with a set of gifts, including a pair of handmade leather moccasins, a Pendleton Native American blanket, and traditional ornaments and food items.
Patrick thanked the KTTT for inviting him to this historic grand opening ceremony of their new educational and language learning center that will benefit and educate future generations of KTTT children and preserve the rich and traditional culture of the KTTT. Patrick thanked the KTTT for the lovely gifts presented to him at the ceremony.
Among the over 200 guests in attendance at the grand opening ceremony were Maverick County Judge Ramsey English Cantu, Eagle Pass Mayor Rolando Salinas, Jr., Eagle Pass Independent School District Board of Trustees President Jorge Barrera, local dignitaries, business owners, and citizens.
Following the official ribbon cutting at the grand opening ceremony, guests were given a tour of the state of the art educational and language learning center and served refreshments and hors d’ oeuvres.
