In recognition of Native American Heritage Month, we’re excited to share some of the important work being conducted in the Northwest region and beyond to promote success for American Indian and Alaska Native students and to increase awareness of the contributions of Native people, past and present.

Native Youth Count: A Resource Guide for Families of American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) Students

Improving the accuracy of Native student identification is critical for many reasons. It ensures Native students have greater visibility in schools, treaty obligations are fulfilled and programs designed to meet the needs of Native students are appropriately funded and directed. For parents and caregivers, it means their children receive the services, benefits, and resources available for Native youth. A new resource created by Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Northwest and the Northwest Tribal Educators Alliance offers guidance to families of AIAN students on what programs are available, who to contact for assistance, and other information to help them navigate the educational supports for which their children are eligible.

Culture, Identity, Achievement: The interTRIBAL Immersion Program

REL Northwest also produced a story and video earlier this year that show how an immersion program in Great Falls, Montana, is helping American Indian students graduate from high school by practicing Native culture, building identity, and fostering achievement.

The Oregon Experience: Tribal History/Shared History

In October, Education Northwest’s Mandy Smoker Broaddus and Sarah Pierce presented with the Oregon Department of Education’s Indian Education advisor at the National Indian Education Association’s (NIEA) 2019 convention. They shared information about Oregon Senate Bill 13, which funds a new statewide, K–12 Native American curriculum. The Oregon Department of Education has partnered with Education Northwest and the nine federally recognized tribes in Oregon to create the curriculum, which includes 45 lesson plans across grades 4, 8 and 10 in language arts, math, social studies, health, and science. Learn more about the curriculum and the opportunities it presents for all Oregon students in this video.

Scholarship Program Supports Native Graduate Students in Education

Partnering with Northwest tribes, communities, and schools to support American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) students’ well-being and academic success is core to Education Northwest’s mission. One way we express our commitment is through the Steven R. Nelson Native Educator Scholarship Program, which strives to increase Native representation in our region in the field of education.