Indigenous Education Newsletter
Embedded Files
Knowing Who We Are Connecting Our Community
Helpful Links
Director's Minute
Hello Indigenous Education families,
My name is Jaime Galvan, and I am honored to serve as the Director of the Indigenous Education Program. I am Iñupiaq, and my family is from Noorvik, Alaska. I have a son in the Anchorage School District, which gives me the privilege of experiencing our schools not only as an educator, but also as a parent. If I’m not at one of his sporting events, you’ll likely find me enjoying the mountains in Girdwood, or fishing in the Prince William Sound.
It has been wonderful seeing students return to the buildings and reconnect with friends, teachers, and staff. I am very excited for this school year and look forward to the opportunities ahead to continue supporting students in their academic success and continued growth.
On behalf of our Indigenous Education team, I’m excited to welcome you to another fun-filled year. We look forward to creating spaces where our students feel seen, supported, and proud of who they are. Please reach out anytime you have any questions or want to connect!
-Jaime
Supervisor's Minute
Introducing New Supervisor
Introducing New Supervisor
This fall we welcome Emily Baker as our new Supervisor. Emily grew up exploring and learning on Dena'ina lands in Chugiak, Alaska. The daughter of teachers and a proud graduate of the Anchorage School District, she has worked in education since 2011 as a language teacher, district coordinator, assistant principal, and grant coordinator.
Emily is committed to listening, learning, and working in partnership with Alaska Native and Native American students, families, and communities. She is especially passionate about supporting programs that empower Indigenous students to build the futures they imagine for themselves.
In her free time, Emily enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and dogs, singing, and spending time with friends.
What is Indigenous Education?
The Anchorage School District’s Indigenous Education Program is here to walk alongside students and families, making sure culture and learning go hand in hand. Our goal is to build a strong foundation of support where students feel proud of who they are and excited about where they are going.
Our Mission
Create school environments that honor and uplift Indigenous cultures
Support student learning and growth every step of the way
Build strong connections between families, schools, and communities
Our Core Values
Every student deserves to feel seen, valued, and connected to their culture
Schools should be places where students can proudly express who they are
Indigenous identity grows stronger when we know who we are and share that with our community
What We Focus On
Helping students strengthen their cultural identity and awareness
Encouraging strong attendance and supporting graduation success
Expanding Native language learning opportunities
Offering extra support for students who may need it most
Why It Matters for Families
When students see their culture reflected at school, they feel a stronger sense of belonging
Family and community involvement helps students thrive academically and socially
Together, we can create pathways that honor traditions while preparing students for bright futures
ASD Indigenous Education Staff
High School Student Support Specialist
Amber Shields - Bartlett
Michael Jerue - Benny Benson & SAVE
Crystal Wendell - Chugiak
Shirley Reeves - Dimond
Abel Peca-Medlin - Bettye Davis East
Cindy Tabios - Service
Brian Walker - West
Middle School Student Support Specialist
Ward Blair - Clark
Joseph Tiede - Begich
Benita Holt - Hanshew
Mirandah Smith - Mears
Jessie Lawrence - Romig
Rosa Luhrs - Wendler
Elementary School Student Support Specialist
Crystal Smith - Taku & Willow Crest
Julianne Bourdon - Lake Otis & Kasuun
Karen Gauthier - Baxter
Katrin Cannon - William Tyson
Kelly Liska - Susitna
Martha Pausback - Airport Heights & Fairview
Oral Mauigoa - Muldoon & Creekside
Sandra Roys - College Gate
Serena Coons - Chinook
Tim Baranov-Kaderman - North Star & Spring Hill
Victoria Adams - Gladys Wood & Campbell STEM
Office & Grant Staff
Jaime Galvan - Director
Emily Baker - Supervisor
Melonie-Anne Kastens - Administrative Assistant
Cheryl Sherman - Cultural Enrichment Specialist
Alexis Griffee - Teacher Expert
Kerri Wood - Office Manager
Sara Baker - Administrative Assistant of
GUI KIMA & Alaska Strong
Cyndi Reeves - GUI KIMA Coordinator
Diana Boggess - Alaska Strong Coordinator Elementary
Ralph Elook - Alaska Strong Coordinator Secondary
Attendance Awareness Month
September is National Attendance Matters Awareness Month!
September is National Attendance Matters Awareness Month!
Early Attendance Matters
Did you know that patterns formed during the first month of school often predict how well students will attend throughout the year? Research shows that:
Half of students who miss 2 to 4 days in September go on to miss nearly a month of school during the year.
Those who miss more than 4 days in September are over 16 times more likely to become chronically absent (missing more than 10% of the school year).
Attendance isn’t just about being present in a classroom for learning, it's about connection, and belonging. When children show up from Day 1, they’re more likely to stay engaged, build meaningful relationships, and stay on course all year.
Summer Enrichment Highlights
Summer Enrichment Program
We had a wonderful Summer Enrichment Program this June, serving over 400 students. Our theme—Salmon, Streams and Strength—provided hands-on opportunities for students to connect with culture, art, STEM, and the local community.
Students worked with special guests from CITC, Municipality of Anchorage, University of Alaska, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and Soil and Water Conservation. Our community partners supported students as they led a community project around salmon habitat protection, assisted an aquatic entomologist with stream sampling, and more.
It was a great chance for students to form connections, learn new skills, and make a positive impact together all while grounded in cultural learning.
CITC JOM Application
✨ Exciting Opportunity for Families! ✨
Cook Inlet Tribal Council (CITC) is now accepting Johnson-O’Malley (JOM) applications! This program provides incredible support and resources for our students, helping them succeed in school and beyond.
If you haven’t already, now is the perfect time to register your student! Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of this amazing program.
👉 Apply here: CITC JOM Application
Elders & Youth
Elders & Youth Conference – October 13–15, 2025
We are excited to share that we are gearing up for this year’s Elders & Youth Conference, taking place October 13–15! This annual gathering is such a powerful and inspiring event for our students.
Our Indigenous Education staff will be coordinating and chaperoning students from schools where we have Student Support Specialists. For schools where we do not have staff, there will be limited chaperone availability, and we will do our best to include as many students as possible.
Parents/guardians will be responsible for dropping off and picking up their students each day of the conference.
Please note: students must maintain good attendance and be on track with their grades in order to participate.
Important: Please do not register your student through Eventbrite.
Sign up will be sent to secondary families soon, be on the lookout in your email and social media!
Southcentral Foundation Optometry
Southcentral Foundation knows children need clear eyesight to thrive both in and outside of a classroom.
For a limited time, SCF is offering Alaska Native and American Indian children glasses at no cost.
For more information, please contact SCF Optometry at
907-729-8500
Gui Kima
Project Gui Kima utilizes Indigenous knowledge and practices for high school students to express themselves, engage in school, and to prepare students with college, career, and life skills. We organize cultural activities and advocate academically for students to encourage the pursuit of leadership opportunities during and beyond high school.
Cyndi Reeves, Project Coordinator, is located at East High School with Alaska Strong Coordinator, Ralph Elook.
Click here to sign your student up for Project Gui Kima.
Questions?
Cyndi Reeves | Project Coordinator
reeves_cyndi@asdk12.org or 907-538-3825
Sara Baker | Administrative Assistant
baker_saramichelle@asdk12.org or 907-742-4449
Alaska Strong
Diana Boggess - Elementary (K-8)
Diana is Siberian Yupik Inuit from Nome, Alaska whose family is from St. Lawrence Island and Siberia. She is the proud parent to two ASD graduates and strives to empower students and families to find strength in their cultural identity.
Click here if you are interested in the Elementary AK Strong cohort.
Elementary AK Strong Coordinator
Alaska Native Cultural Charter School
(907) 744-2232
boggess_diana@asdk12.org
Alaska Strong is a fatherhood grant program designed for parenting teams of 1 father figure + 1 co-parent (“co-parenting duo”) and their children.
Families come together with elders/culture bearers to celebrate and learn about Alaska Native culture.
Snacks and childcare are provided during activities and financial incentives are available upon completion of the program.
Ralph Elook - Secondary (9-12)
Ralph is Iñupiaq from Buckland, Alaska. He has worked for the Anchorage School District since 2011 and is committed to building strong relationships with students and families through cultural connections.
Click here if you are intersted in the Secondary AK Strong cohort.
Secondary AK Strong Coordinator
Bettye Davis East High School
(907) 538-8776
elook_ralph@asdk12.org
📣 There is still time to enroll! 📣
RuralCAP Elder-Mentor Program
RurAL CAP is currently accepting applications for their Elder Mentor Program. This program is a wonderful opportunity for Elders to connect with students, share wisdom, and provide guidance that strengthens our schools and communities.
If you or someone you know is interested in making a difference in the lives of children through mentorship, please visit www.eldermentor.org to learn more and apply.
Upcoming Dates
September 1- Labor Day Holiday
September 12- Orange Shirt Day Makerspace Event
September 30- Orange Shirt Day
October 13- Indigenous People's Day
October 12-15 -Elders & Youth
October 17- End of 1st Quarter
October 22-23- ASD Parent Teacher Conferences
October 24- Student Release PD Day (No School)
Orange Shirt Day Makerspace.pdfNative Advisory Committee
The NAC is a parent, student, teacher/counselor run committee meant to help bring Indigenous voices to the Superintendent and School Board to help shape policy and curriculum in ASD Schools.
All meeting's take place at the ASD Education Center
Community NYO Practice
The Alaska Native Heritage Center will be hosting NYO practice for youth ages 7 and up. Tuesdays and Fridays from 6-8pm
Alaska Native Heritage Center
8800 Heritage Center Drive
Anchorage, AK 99504
To Our Past & Future Graduates
04-25-2025 Scholarship Application flyer.pdfPage 21 has more information for all regions
Do you follow us on social media?
Don't miss any important dates or events. Be sure to "like" and "follow" our pages on social media for all of the latest updates and news from the Indigenous Education Department!
If you received this email and are unsure if your child is enrolled in Title VI Indigenous Education, or you would like to enroll them, please reach out to our office using the email or phone number below.
907-742-4445
Page updated
Report abuse