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Oklahoma is among at least 18 states with new laws restricting how public schools can teach history about race and culture. Teachers are now wondering how to inform students about events like the Trail of Tears and the Tulsa Massacre. Some educators are defying the restrictions. Also, the Pointe-au-Chien Tribe in Louisiana is starting a new language immersion school two years after their only elementary school closed. We’ll get a snapshot of what Native educators see ahead in the new school year.
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Patty Ferguson-Bohnee (Pointe-au-Chien), director of the Indian Legal Program and clinical professor of Law at Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University
Matt Jackson (citizen of the Seminole Tribe of Oklahoma), ethnic studies teacher for Norman Public Schools
Lucyann Harjo (Diné), Indian Education coordinator for Norman Public Schools
Alicia Andrew (Alutiiq), Tribal Chief of Karluk Village
Break 1 music: Turtle Island Reggae (song) Quese IMC & Cempoalli 20 (artist) Osahwuh (album)
Break 2 music: Dm Yootu Stukwliin (song) Saltwater Hank (artist) G̱al’üünx Wil Lu Holtga Liimi (album)
Hi, I work with for the APS Indian Education Department and was curious when your program aired the latest news regarding our Native APS students and parents?
Last school year’s data shows over 7,000 Native students were enrolled in APS, 4,000 of which identified as Navajo. The Department of Indian Education provides resources and academic support to Native students. Our resource faculty offer bi-linqual and NAS history and government courses, among others. We are also close to expanding AP courses, which will be of great educationsl value to Native and. non-Native students as well.
IED continues to work with the District and NM PED to increase Native teacher representation in the classroom supported by culturally relevant curriculum.
IED continues to strengthen existing alliances with Tribal and Pueblo Education departments to give life to the Yazzie/Martinez Supreme Court’s decision issued 5 years ago. We would welcome the opportunity to share our progress and work intended to meet the edu atonal needs of our students. Thank You!