The Mille Lacs Band’s Early Education program announced last month that Becky Clitso-Garcia had been hired as Interim Executive Director.
Becky has worked for the MLEE for 14 years and was most recently the Education Specialist/Coach. She has also worked for MLEE as a temporary teacher, assistant teacher, and lead teacher. The position of Mille Lacs Early Education Director will be posted in the near future.
In a letter to parents, Becky introduced herself: "Here is a little information about me. Yá’át’ééh! ('Greetings,' in Dinè—Navajo)! My name is, Rebecca ’Becky’ Clitso-Garcia. My clan is, Todích’íí’nii (Bitter Water; my mother’s clan) and my father’s clan is, Bit’áhnii (Folded Arms People). I am originally from Kayenta, Arizona, on the Navajo Nation. I am the oldest of five. My siblings all work with or for the Mille Lacs Band in one way or another. I am a Head Start graduate, Class of 1982. [Eeks!]. I attended Head Start on the Navajo Nation, where the Navajo culture/language was emphasized. My favorite Head Start memory was the dramatic play area — the kitchen, was ’my size’ and I remember all of the colorful books in the library area."
Becky knows the importance of Head Start, since she and her family have been involved in the program throughout their lives. During college, Becky volunteered in her younger sister’s Head Start classes. "All of my sisters graduated from Head Start — Class of 1985, 1995, and 1997. My brother, Sonny, did not graduate from Head Start, but is currently a Head Start teacher for the Makoons classroom/Nagweyaab [Rainbow] Distant Learning Family, in District I; he has worked for MLEE for nine years."
Becky’s mother, Lena, was active in Head Start as a parent volunteer and assistant teacher, and Becky’s nieces are MLEE Head Start graduates — Class of 2009, 2014, and 2016.
"I know there have been a lot of changes within the Mille Lacs Early Education program, and I just want you all to know I will try my best to give your child the best education in collaboration with our wonderful educators and MLEE management staff," said Becky. "I have the dedication and love for this program, the children, and the families. Miigwech, Ahéhee’ and Thank you."
Becky can be reached at becky.clitso-garcia@millelacsband.com.