What's Happening in Oklahoma City, OK…

The first training session of a program that seeks to teach Native Americans how to raise butterflies met with success earlier this month.

Held on Saturday, June 7th, the opening class of ‘Natives Raising Natives’ attracted almost 30 individuals who were interested in rearing the beautiful insects.

Jane Breckinridge, who operates Euchee Butterfly Farm and is a member of the Muscogee Creek Nation, hosted the session.

Speaking about the profession, she said there’s always something of a ‘credibility hurdle’ during the first minute of explaining to someone that she works as a butterfly farmer.

While it was originally launched last year, Breckinridge’s program is this summer offering training sessions to teach other tribal members about raising and selling butterflies. She is also seeking to promote conservation efforts and get youngsters interested in science.

With services that can be advertised through brochure and poster printing, butterfly farmers sell their insects to schools, exhibits, and to be used at funerals and weddings. Breckinridge says that she has more orders than she can fill on her own; she hopes to train others to help her earn some money and help her meet the demand as well.

Breckinridge also hopes to build a visitor and learning center at her farm, and that her project will help to change some of the common Native American stereotypes.