Taking Attendance: Building Future Indigenous Educators

Kymoni Herrera

Cochiti Pueblo

Kymoni Herrera.webm

Research Log 1 : Identity

"Sharing One Skin" By Jeanette Armstrong

When reading “ Sharing One Skin” by Jeanette Armstrong, she discusses the importance of self identity and how she connects through different aspects of her culture. She explains that our mind and bodies function with four main capacities which are physical self, emotional self, thinking intellectual self, and spiritual self. Introducing these topics she elaborated her connections through these aspects, for example, her body is “earth itself.” The way that the earth comes in all different cycles is how our body survives and as she explains “ it is the land-dreaming capacity.” She ties the word “Okanogan” which in my understanding is how we perceive ourselves as human beings. For one, everything that we are, our culture, our identity, and our existence as human beings all form into one which help us recognize who we truly are.

Armstrong, Jeanette. “Sharing One Skin: The Okanagan Community,” in Jerry Mander

and Edward Goldsmith (eds), The Case Against the Global Economy. San

Francisco, CA, Sierra Club Books, 1996. Pp 460-470.

( visitabq.org, 2022)

(nationalparkfoundation, 2022)

"How place names impact the way we see landscape"

Many historical places have been either renamed or named, in this story they describe place names and their stories behind them. As Laura Tohe says “ a lot of places are attached to the story. And those stories are important for us to remember..” She discusses that naming historical places other names than what they actually know for, is disrespecting the landscape. Though some places have already renamed indigenous lands, she says that there are a lot of stories that connect Native Americans to their roots and by getting those stories, they are able to remember where they come from. These historical places provided a sense of belongings to a lot of people. Although, Tohe says that you should always respect a historical site by not renaming it a colonized name, the story that is embedded in the landscape, will never ever disappear as long as we remember it.

Toastie, B. “How place names impact the way we see landscape.” High Country News: Know the West, 1 May 2022, https://www.hcn.org/issues/54.5/people-places-how-place-names-impact-the-way-we-see-landscape. Accessed 27 August 2022.

Research Log 2 : History

(Herrera, Kymoni. Museum, 2022)

“Senate passes Esther Martinez Native American Preservation Act”

While researching an article I came across this one, it explains how the Native American Preservation Act was passed by Congress. This act supports Native language and cultural preservation, which “ ties to the heart of native identity.” Thus acknowledging grants that have been provided in support of this act, which helps with finding immersion programs which naturally generate fluent Native American speakers. With this fluency, children will be able to learn their language and culture with the help of people from their own community. For example, Esther Martinez explained that in the “Creek language enrichment program” that 10 babies who were non verbal learned their culture and language through everyday conversations, and now there are 10 students who are currently fluent for their age range. Therefore, having more Indigenous people teaching culture and language from their own communities impacts the younger generation in learning and growing.

Bidney, Beverly. “Senate passes Esther Martinez Native American Preservation Act.” Seminole Tribune, 29, December, 2017. P 2B.

“Report calls for Equity Changes for Native Students”

The need for equity changes are in full motion as Native Students are not getting the benefits they need. In this article, it explains that due to the scarcity of Indigenous teachers, and tribally run schools, that states that have districts serving Native American students have failed to ensure the safety and resources of these children. Many Solutions have been mentioned to make sure Native children are getting the help they need, which include tribally controlled education, the development of linguistic and cultural education, and community based education. Gabe Aguilar of the Mescalero- Apache Nation explained “ education sovereignty is the right to fulfill that vision without compromise. While reading more into this article it established that with the need of Indigenous educators there is hope to have different programs which include tuition waivers for college students and equal pay for Native American teachers.

Anonymous, “Report Calls for Equity Changes for Native Students.” Seminole Tribune. 31, December, 2020. P 11 A.

(Grimley, Valerie. Action Plan,2022)

(Herrera, Kymoni. Campus, 2022)

“An Indigenous Students Perspective: History Culture and Language: Amidooli Pacheco”

In this video, Amidooli Pacheco touched on the topic of inequalities in education. He explains the importance of the relationship between a teacher and the student which becomes “culture.” Bicultural education for students as well as teachers bring us together especially those who have the same background. He describes that the education system has a pattern of “failure,” however we as Indigenous people have not forgotten that we desire to rebuild a nation. Therefore, having a teacher with the same background will help motivate you to open new doors, and build a new nation.

TEDxTalks, director. An Indigenous Student's Perspective: History, Culture, and Language. YouTube, YouTube, 25 May 2016, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXY_SxO7d0M&t=186s. Accessed 13 Oct. 2022.

Research Log 3: Current State of the issue

“Creating a more Welcoming and Culturally responsive School Community to engage American Indian and Alaskan Native families.”

When researching for an article, I came across the education northwest website. The article talks about “growing sense of empowerment” revolving around Native American education. There are discussions involving the outreach and engagement of tribal communities to increase the efforts of community interaction and involvement. To find ways to connect American Indian and Alaskan Native students to their culture is through history and language. Learning through school is important for them to create an environment where they can share mutual understanding. Additionally, the system of education the community school is creating a cultural based education and for the intention to value where the students come from is to complete the bridge between communities and students.

Education Northwest. “Creating a More Welcoming and Culturally Responsive School Community to Engage American Indian and Alaska Native Families.” Education Northwest, Mandy Smoker Broaddus, 1 Nov. 2018.

(Herrera, Kymoni. Experiential Learning. 2022)

(Herrera, Kymoni. The Future is Indigenous, 2022)

“Talking Circles: A Native American approach to experiential learning.”

Talking circles was an approach to identify multicultural awareness which includes different ideas for different classroom approaches and teaching methods for Native American students. It was said that the talking circles method has been passed down from early childhood to adult education to pass down culture and knowledge. This method of education allows students to express themselves freely, and be open to the viewpoints of others. It has been said that experiential learning is much more effective and influential than that of traditional educational practices. Thus, the use of experiential learning in classrooms can expand the benefit for students to learning multicultural education.

Wolf, Paulette Running, and Julie A. Rickard. "Talking circles: a native American approach to experiential learning. (articles)." Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development, vol. 31, no. 1, Jan. 2003, pp. 39+. Gale General OneFile

“Teaching Native Language- Pueblo De Cochiti”

The teachings of Native language is important for many Pueblos, especially teaching children when they are young so they can easily grasp their language. In the first part of this video, they show Mr. Suina teaching the children about what happens in the Pueblo during easter. When he is teaching he sometimes asks the children what else happens and they respond in our language. Within this video, our governor talks about the Keres Children's Learning Center right now in Cochiti Pueblo. Our governor first talks about how our language connects us through all different aspects of our life. Secondly, he talks about instilling our language to children to keep our tradition alive.

Albuquerque Journal, director. Teaching Native Language: Pueblo De Cochiti. YouTube, YouTube, 16 Apr. 2022, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXySFd9P9kc&t=130s. Accessed 20 Nov. 2022.

(Herrera, Kymoni. Language, 2022)

Action Plan 1: Teacher Panel: Bringing Knowledge and Inspiration

On Tuesday November 8, 2022, I invited Carlotta Martza and Steve Coriz to discuss the importance of indigenous educators teaching young indigenous students. My action plan took place in Dr. Grimley's classroom, where students from different grades attended. During this discussion, Martza and Steve talked about their experiences as indigenous educators, their inspirations to want to become a Native American educator, and what they would like to accomplish while teaching here at SFIS..

(Grimley,Valerie, 2022)

Research Log 4: Global Connections

(Herrera, Kymoni. Now, 2022)

“ Indigenous primary school teachers reflection of cultural pedagogy”

While researching more about my topic, I ran across Indigenous teachers and perspectives in Wollongong, Australia. In the article I chose, they talked about the worldwide diversity of cultures that teachers play key roles in. Not only do they teach in terms of their academic and career readiness, they are teaching in a way of how to navigate traditions to sustain a flourishing culture and community. They explain that for important academic learning, there can also be non- academic life skills taught in classrooms. For example, having a shared knowledge of similar cultures can impact cultural values that are being brought into the classroom. Many mechanisms that are driven by cultural practices, and norms play a role in influencing children at a young age. The indigenous teachers in the article explained that playing a pivotal role, they were able to build the children’s understanding of the importance of their culture, and align with the sense of belonging and identity.

Eady, Michelle J., Tracey J. Woolrych, and Corinne A. Green. "Indigenous primary school teachers’ reflections of cultural pedagogy-developing positive social skills and increased student self-awareness in the modern day classroom." Multicultural Education Review 13.3 (2021): 211-228.

“Indigenous teachers’ experiences of the implementation of culture-based mathematics activities in Sámi school”

The aim of this article is to discuss indigenous teachers' experiences with implementing culturally based mathematics activities in Sami school. During this research process, 6 teachers were able to plan a research action loop providing a problem focused perspective. The Sami curriculum states that students that are enrolled into the Sami school should be given the opportunity to participate and develop knowledge of Sami culture, history, society, livelihoods, and traditions. Therefore, the teachers at Sami school adopted the value of multiculturalism and multicultural education. In the school, teachers are implementing language into their curriculum, for example in mathematics they are using numbers in their language while writing it into their language.

Nutti, Ylva Jannok. "Indigenous teachers’ experiences of the implementation of culture-based mathematics activities in Sámi school." Mathematics Education Research Journal 25 (2013): 57-72.

(Herrera. Kymoni. SFIS, 2022)

Herrera, Kymoni. MST, 2022)

“What Culturally Responsive Teaching Looks Like: A Native Educator Explains”

In this video, Mandy Smokey Broaddus explains the importance of culturally responsive teachings and how it's a combination of curriculum, and instructional delivery. She explains the different ways that teachers can build a culturally inclusive learning environment. Through the relationship between the teacher and the student through demonstrated instructional strategies. To have a culturally responsive environment means to have a teacher that shows respect towards traditional aspects. By doing this, there is a space being created where children can go anywhere, imagine new possibilities and problem solve. Through this video, she gives ideas on what native american teachers can do to incorporate culturally responsive practices. Which is to understand and reflect on cultural space, and cultural identity that is being brought into the classroom.

educationweek. “What Culturally Responsive Teaching Looks like: A Native Educator Explains.” YouTube, YouTube, 17 Nov. 2021, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E68yPb0v1eQ.

Action Plan 2: Teaching of Traditional Knowledge

(Herrera, Kymoni. Action Plan 2, 2022)

On March 3rd, I visited my grandpa’s keres classroom at Cochiti Elementary School.
During this time, the students and I were able to learn from grandpa. I was able to provide activities such as coloring of different items such as moccasins, dresses, and belts. While doing this, my grandpa taught us the names in keres and what certain things were used for.
I choose this action plan because I think it's a fun way to learn, and is beneficial especially to younger kids.

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