Wah’-shă Academy might begin its journey in Crested Butte, Colorado, in September 2020; however, it has taken quite a journey. Riding the path of previous independent schools that have come and gone in the Gunnison Valley, we are also continuing to move the sparks and dreams of Regina Splees Tafoya, who organically founded Gateway International School in Fujisawa, Japan 1997. (The school has since changed its name to Harmony International.)
Landing in the valley during the Covid-19 pandemic from Manitou Springs, Colorado, Regina fell in love with her surroundings and the vibrance of the people. She has always held with care the aspects of the public school system which model some of what many hold most dear, however, there seemed to be no single option available that seems to be truly holistic.
Regina and her husband went through a lot of soul-searching, weaving through the lessons of over 20 years of experience and teachings from mentors, and finally, numerous conversations with each other and the community. Ultimately they decided to name and create an educational paradigm that nourishes the mind, body, spirit, and community as a holistic and regenerative model: Wah’ -Sha Academy, a result of all that has come before us.
So, What exactly IS ‘Wah’-shă’
Wah’-shă is the shoshoni word for the Great Blue Heron, particularly the Ardea herodias species that resides in the Gunnison Valley. We can see them nesting in Crested Butte along the Slate River.
According to some traditions, the Great Blue Heron represents determination, self-reliance, and the ability to stand on one’s own. They are symbols of balance, and they represent an ability to progress and evolve.
Additionally, the Great Blue Heron is a great explorer holding more than one perspective. They hold the ability to do a variety of tasks. If one way doesn’t work, then another will. Heron’s seem to hold great intuitive wisdom.
We feel this Crested Butte / Gunnison Valley native represents the goals and vision of our Academy well!
