NW New Mexico News

At a recent Central Consolidated School District board meeting, Donovan Russell, Equity Council Supervisor, shared insights on student participation in the National Indian Education Association conference. The event took place in Palm Springs, California, from October 9 to 12.

Funded by an Indian Education grant, fifteen high school students from the district attended the conference. Participants included four students each from Newcomb High School, Shiprock High School, and Kirtland High School, and three from Career Prep High School.

Neveah, a junior at Kirtland Central High School, spoke to the school board about her experience. She described the workshops as "eye-opening" and "invaluable," highlighting their applicability to both professional and personal development.

Students from various educational levels and tribes across the US participated in workshops aimed at enhancing understanding of education sovereignty through cultural perspectives. These sessions featured presentations by Indigenous influencers and focused on practical skills like scholarship opportunities and communication techniques.

Presentations showcased unique cultural practices from locations such as Hawaii and Tuba City, Arizona. For example, Hawaiian students discussed reintroducing their cultural sport into schools due to its connection with water.

Group discussions addressed incorporating cultural practices into schools and increasing native language presence in education. A key question posed was: "What cultural practices would we like to see in our schools or currently one? How can you include or increase your native language in your cultural practices?"

The conference also offered personal growth opportunities for students who traveled by air for the first time. It helped develop life skills such as punctuality and self-sufficiency.

Board President Suzette Haskie praised student engagement at the conference. "We...seen them in the expo area and just really encouraged them not to be shy," she said. Board member Christina Aspaas acknowledged chaperones' efforts in caring for students during the trip.

The event underscored cultural representation's importance; Haskie noted a student's attire featuring Navajo culture symbols like the bluebird flower and red coral.

Overall, CCSD students gained valuable insights into educational sovereignty, cultural representation, and practical skills through their participation in the NIEA conference.