Moccasins, totem poles, American Indians…oh, my! At Liberty North High School, some clubs require a certain skill, background, or previous knowledge. But at ones like American Indian Club, all that is required at the totem pole outside.

“To promote awareness, understanding, pride and respect for American Indians,” the club’s mission statement reads.

The club is really about learning the history and culture of the American Indians. Students learn things like how the American Indians survived off the land and lived on a day-to-day basis.

“Personally, I have Apache blood in me, but to join, you don’t need to have an American Indian blood. All you need is an appreciation of the culture, and the willingness to learn about their way of life,” club sponsor Mrs. Chablis Brendel said.

Brendel started the club because she saw many students were interested in learning about the American Indian way of life. She wanted to teach the kids the art aspect of the culture as well. While learning about American, she also wanted the students to be interested and involved.

“I joined American Indian club because I just love learning more about American Indians and their culture,” junior Anna McElheny said.

The students involved in the club do different activities like making moccasins, listening to American Indian music, learning about important American Indians from past and present. One thing that the club did was make a totem pole that sits outside of the school now.

“It was such a unique experience. I learned so much about the Native American culture, and our club tried to incorporate that into the totem pole. Each animal and color represents us somehow, everyone who helped added their own touch,” junior Montana Grizzle said.

The club meets every Monday after school until 3:50 p.m. They meet in the sculpture room.

“I enjoy all the crafts that we do, and just getting to hang out with people who are interested in what I’m interested in,” junior Maddy Svetlecic.