Native American Programs

Hesci (Hello) Students and Families!

Welcome back to another exciting school year! As we gear up for a year full of learning, growth and adventure, we want to extend a special welcome to our Native American students and their families. We are committed to supporting your cultural heritage and providing a nurturing environment where everyone can thrive.

Celebrating Our Heritage

This year, we are focusing on celebrating the rich traditions, history and contributions of Native American communities. We will have special events, guest speakers and curriculum enhancements designed to honor and integrate Native American perspectives and knowledge.

Cultural Events and Activities

• Clubs and Organizations: Epic offers a club for every grade level! Join us as we learn more about our culture and provide a safe space for our students.
• Native Arts and Crafts Workshops: Engage in creative workshops that explore traditional and contemporary Native American arts and crafts.
• Spring Dance: Participate in our Spring Dance where families can share traditional foods, learn about our culture and celebrate our senior students.

Support and Resources

Our school is dedicated to providing the support you need to succeed. We offer various resources, including:

• Regional Specialists: Our regional specialists are available to help students and families connect with community resources and ensure that cultural traditions are respected and incorporated into the school experience.
• Tutoring and Academic Support: We offer tutoring and additional academic support tailored to meet individual needs.
• College and Career Specialists: Our college and career specialists assist our students in grades 8 - 12 with college and career readiness.

Get Involved

We encourage all families to get involved in the school community. Attend meetings, participate in events and share your ideas on how we can better support our Native American students. Your involvement is crucial in creating a vibrant and inclusive school environment.

Looking Ahead

As we embark on this new school year, let’s remember the strength and resilience of our communities. Together, we can make this year a memorable and successful one. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our school office.

Contact Information

Native American Programs Director's Office: 405-347-5808
Email: indianeducation@epiccharterschools.org

Thank you for being a vital part of our school community. We are excited to embark on this journey with you and look forward to a fantastic year ahead!

Mvto (Thank you),

Leslie Montemayor
Native American Programs Director, Epic Charter Schools

Stephanie Hilliary will be teaching the Native American Studies course for students in grades 9-12. This course will earn an elective credit for high school students.

If interested, please email stephanie.hilliary@epiccharterschools.org for additional details.

Native Languages Program (NLP) supports students and teachers through the development of Native language courses offered for World Language credit. Once completed, these comprehensive two-year courses will be available to all Epic students. Both synchronous and asynchronous learning options are available.

NLP is currently partnered with the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma to create the program template used for all other tribal languages offered by Epic to be added in the future. A select number of Epic students are enrolled in a pilot course to assist with the development of this program. The Maskoke-Semvnole (Creek-Seminole) one course will be completed and available for expanded enrollment for the 2025-26 school year. The level-two course will be available for the 2026-27 school year. NLP is currently partnering with additional Tribal Language programs to begin course development for additional Native languages during the 2025-26 school year.

NLP also connects students and teachers to language courses offered externally by tribal language programs for credit through the Elective Portfolio Process. Check the Native Languages page on the Epic website for more information on these courses.

The purpose of Epic’s Native American Programs College and Career Services is to support Native American students in their journey towards a successful and fulfilling transition into higher education or the workforce.

Test Preparation Material

ACT (Grades 9-12)
SAT (Grades 11-12)
ASVAB (Grades 10-12)
PSAT/NMSQT (Grades 10-11)
Student Planner (Grades 8-12)
TI84 Graphing Calculator ( Grades 8-12). Please note that you must complete a workshop to receive the calculator.
TI 84 Graphing Calculator Guide Book (Grades 8-12)
Test Prep Strategies (Grades 8-12)
How to be a HS Superstar (Grades 8-12)
Dollars for Scholars (Scholarship help) (Grades 11-12)

We will soon have a planner for elementary-aged students and we have a few TI-30XS for our younger students.

ACT Test Voucher Request

First-come, first-served basis. Does not have an income cap.

ACT Score Reporting Fee Request

SAT Test Voucher Request

First-come, first-served basis. Does not have an income cap. However, we do check if a student qualifies for the income waiver first.

College Admission Application Costs - Email kylee.montgomery@epichcarterschools.org to schedule a meeting to for this resource.

Up to $150 per student. However, we check if a student qualifies for the income waiver.

Assistance with Tribal Programs (Scholarships/Grants/Graduation Stoles/Cords/ Graduation Incentives, etc)

Gates Scholarship:

Application Opens-July 15

Application Closes-Sept.15

Click here for additional details.

Individual Tribal Scholarships:

Most tribes offer scholarships for their students attending a higher education institution, for both concurrent enrollment and undergraduate degrees. Please email kylee.montgomery@epiccharterschools.org for additional details.

For grades PK-12

Indigenous Endeavors is open to Title VI students in grades PK-12. However, students wishing to compete in AISES STEM Competition must be in grades 5-12.

Advisors: Stephanie Hilliary, stephanie.hilliary@epiccharterschools.org and Jay Hester, jay.hester@epiccharterschools.org

Registration Link.

For grades 9-12

NASO is open to all high school students where they will be able to connect with other Native American students, have student leadership opportunities, and engage within their Indigenous communities.

Weekly meetings held every Wednesday via Zoom.

Advisor: Asa Thompson, asa.thompson@epiccharterschools.org

Registration Link.

For grades 9-12.

The Whole Health and Wellness Club is a place where students can gather weekly to discuss and learn how to cultivate good mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health. We will discover lifelong skills, including self-care, healthy coping habits and what to do if the student or someone they know is in crisis. This serves as a safe space where students can share and connect with others. The club is a project of the Student Engagement team.

Weekly meetings held every Tuesday and Wednesday via Zoom.

Advisor: Ryan Fowler, ryan.fowler@epiccharterschools.org

Registration Link.

For grades 6-12

Next Generation of Native Leaders is open to Title VI students in grades 6-12. This organization will assist students in becoming better leaders, nurture their talents, and promote collaboration and innovation.

Weekly meetings date and time TBD by participants.

Advisor: Kylee Montgomery, kylee.montgomery@epiccharterschools.org

Registration Link.

For grades 6-8

Jr. NASO is open to students in grades 5-8. Students will have a chance to embrace Native American culture and identity while also getting to meet other Native students.

Weekly meetings date and time TBD by participants.

Advisor: Kylee Montgomery, kylee.montgomery@epiccharterschools.org

Registration Link.

For grades 4-5

Epic's Native American Club lets students in grades 4 and 5 meet with other Native students while learning about traditional homelands, traditional clothing, notable natives and language.

Weekly meetings are held every Thursday at 3 p.m. via Zoom.

Advisor: Amy Winterbottom, amy.winterbottom@epiccharterschools.org and Jay Hester, jay.hester@epiccharterschools.org

Registration Link.

For grades Pre K-grade 3

The Warrior Book Clubs are for Pre-K through grade 3 students to engage and interact with each other while listening to Indigenous-themed and authored read-aloud books.

PreK- grade 1, weekly meetings are held every Tuesday at 1 p.m. via Zoom.

Grades 2 and 3, weekly meetings are held every Thursday at 1 p.m. via Zoom.

Advisor: Walter Kerrick, walter.kerrick@epiccharterschools.org

Registration Link.

Epic's Student Support Specialist, Ryan Fowler, is here to assist with finding resources for health and wellness. He also would like to spread awareness, as September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

The success of our program relies heavily on family involvement. Monthly zoom meetings occur to present our upcoming events and seek input on how to best support students.

Meeting dates at 6:30 p.m.

Lisa Johnson-Billy has an extensive background in leadership, having served in various positions such as the Chickasaw Tribal Legislature, the Oklahoma House of Representatives and as the first cabinet secretary for Native American Affairs in the Oklahoma Governor's office.

​

Her accomplishments include forming the Native American Caucus in the Oklahoma legislature, receiving awards like the Kate Barnard Award for her work on prison reformation policies and being inducted into prestigious halls of fame such as the Chickasaw Hall of Fame and NSU Hall of Fame.

​

Lisa Johnson-Billy's goal as a legislator is to be proactive on behalf of the Pontotoc District, emphasizing the importance of quality legislation and great service to the Chickasaws in the district.

Hey, everyone!

I'm Stephanie Hilliary, and I am a citizen of the Muscogee Nation. I serve Epic as the Native American academic and cultural specialist in the OKC-Metro area. Iam also the specialist for Oklahoma County!

I first fell in love with meat pies when I was teaching Native American studies to high school students. I had a parent who made them for the Comanche Nation Fair every year. We had two options: regular or spicy. I'm going with the spicy version today but if you prefer to keep things mild, skip the jalapeños.

Equipment List:

• Dutch oven or large pot.

• Colander.

• Mixing bowls (medium and small).

• Fork.

• Rolling pin.

• Deep fryer or large pot for frying.

• Wire rack.

• Baking sheet (if you plan on baking).

• Pastry brush (for egg wash if you plan on baking).

• Air fryer (optional, for reheating).

  
  

Filling:

• 1.5 pounds of ground beef.

• 1.5 pounds of ground sausage.

• 1 cup chopped green onions, tops and bottoms.

• 1 tablespoon salt.

• 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper.

• 1 teaspoon coarse-ground red pepper.

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper.

• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour.

  
  

Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting.

• 1.5 teaspoons salt.

• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder.

• 6 tablespoons solid vegetable shortening.

• 1 egg.

• 3/4 cup whole milk.

• Vegetable oil for deep frying.

  
  

How to Make the Filling:

1. Combine the first six ingredients in a large Dutch oven. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the meat browns. Be careful not to overcook the meat.

2. Sift the flour over the meat mixture, stirring often, until well combined. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.

3. Place the meat in a large colander to drain off excess grease and juice.

   
   

How to Make the Dough:

1. Sift the flour, salt and baking powder together in a medium bowl.

2. Using a fork or pastry blender, cut the shortening into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

3. In a small mixing bowl, beat the egg and milk together. Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and stir until you have a thick but workable dough.

4. Form the dough into a ball and flatten it into a disk. You can use it immediately or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to one day.

   
   

Frying the Pies:

1. Preheat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer to 375°F.

2. Set a wire rack over a paper towel-lined baking sheet.

3. Cut the dough into 24 equal pieces. On a lightly floured work surface, roll each piece out to form a 5½- to 6-inch round.

4. Place 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture slightly off-center on a round of dough. Fold the dough over to make the edges meet, and crimp the edges with the tines of a fork to seal them.

5. Working in batches, fry the meat pies until they are golden brown on both sides, about 3 minutes.

6. Transfer the pies to the wire rack to drain. Serve hot.

   
   

Baking Option:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.

2. Lightly spray oil onto a baking sheet.

3. In a small bowl, combine the egg with a little water for an egg wash; brush the egg wash over the formed meat pies.

4. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Pro Tip: Don’t overwork the dough. It should be a little sticky, like traditional fry bread.

Freezing & Reheating Tips:

If you’re like me and want to enjoy a meat pie randomly at midnight, you can freeze the pies you didn’t eat! For pies you’ve already cooked, allow them to come to room temperature. Then, preheat the oven to 350ºF; place the pies on a lightly oiled baking sheet, uncovered, and bake until the center is warm (about 15-25 minutes). You can also do this in an air fryer but I usually refry them for 10 to 15 minutes.

If you make these meat pies, be sure to post a picture on our Facebook page for Epic Indian Education – we’d love to see your delicious creations!

Happy cooking!