Fourth-graders at Neil Armstrong Academy have a deeper understanding of indigenous tribes in Utah thanks to a special visitor.

In conjunction with Native America Day, and to support the fourth grade curriculum, students at Armstrong Academy welcomed Paiute Tribe of Utah Chairwoman Gari Lafferty to the school to discuss Paiute culture and customs.

Students were shown exquisitely crafted items from Lafferty’s family, and were introduced to numerous Paiute traditions, including the practice of carrying babies in cradleboards.

Lafferty’s father, Chief Mckay Richard Pikyavit, was the last Paiute chief, and was her primary inspiration as a mentor.