Tumonongs Love Teaching, Living In Wolf Point

From Philippines To Wolf Point

When Andrew Tumonong arrived in Wolf Point from The Philippines during 2019, it wasn’t exactly love at first sight. Even though it was September, the weather was too cold for his comfort. He also was surprised of the community’s remoteness. He was a long way from home.

Now, in the spring of 2023, Andrew and his family along with his brother Ronnel and his family are very happy to call Wolf Point their home.

The Tumonongs have adjusted to the weather, food and other changes in order to become positive educators in the community. Both Andrew and Ronnel teach at Northside School. Andrew’s wife, Rhena, is a kindergarten teacher and Ronnel’s wife, Richie, teaches computer classes.

Ronnel was educating in Colorado when Andrew recruited him to join him in Wolf Point in 2020 so their families could be closer. When Ronnel visited Wolf Point, he was pleased to see a grocery store and a McDonald’s restaurant.

“The place I was in Colorado was actually three times smaller than Wolf Point,” Ronnel said.

They note that Wolf Point is a good fit for them.

Rhena noted there are some similarities between Native Americans and Filipinos, including family being very important in their cultures. Some words in their languages are also similar.

The Tumonongs are thankful that they can travel to Williston, N.D., for some special items, but their diets have changed during their years in Montana.

When he was first in America, Andrew experienced stomach challenges when eating American food. Andrew credits an individual from home care that helped him become accustomed to living in the area. Now, he eats a more typical American diet.

“We used to eat rice three times a day,” Ronnel said. Now, they usually have rice only at dinner.

Andrew’s favorite meals include hot chili, tacos and nachos. Ronnel likes steak the best. He adds that beef is tastier here than in the Philippines.

When the Tumonongs arrived in Wolf Point, there were fewer teachers from the Philippines in the area. Now, there are pretty many individuals from the country in the area especially in Frazer, Brockton and Poplar schools.

“It gives us pride that we’re doing great here,” Rhena said.

They take part in a welcoming barbecue at Fort Peck to meet the new teachers each fall and help introduce them to the area.

Part of their advice is for the teachers to obtain a vehicle because of the lack of public transportation and distances that need to be traveled.

Ronnel suggests the teachers need to be open minded, “re-learn and unlearn,” Due to VISA requirements, the Tumonongs can spend one more year in Wolf Point before heading back to the Philippines for two years. After that, they hope to return to Wolf Point because that’s their home.

“They are doing a great job of giving education to the children,” Andrew said of the Wolf Point School District.

The Tumonongs express appreciation to teachers, staff and administrators for their support and being open minded.

The Tumonongs laugh that they were very quiet at first during staff meetings, but now they might make a comment or two.

“We’re getting there,” Ronnel said. Andrew added, “They are willing to listen to anything that we need.”

During their time in Wolf Point, the Tumonongs have shared some of their culture including performing a dance at half-time of a basketball game last year. They are planning a festival next school year that will include food, dancing and acrobatics.

They are also excited that they will provide food from the Philippines during a special cultural event in Glasgow on April 28. Proceeds will help those in need of food and clothes.