November is National Native American Heritage Month. While this celebration continues throughout the school year, November is the specific month dedicated to the beauty of our First Nations cultures. While the history of tribal nations makes us aware of many painful and conflicted stories, we recognize the tremendous positive accomplishments of our Native peoples.
This is a time for individuals to learn and acknowledge the significant sacrifices and contributions Native Americans faced and overcame, both historically and presently. Read about some DPS students, find resources for the classroom and yourself, and meet the Native American Culture and Education (NACE) team to discover how they serve Native American students throughout the district.
For even more information, visit the Native American Culture and Education team and the Culture, Equity and Leadership Team pages.
Student Spotlights
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Name: Hannah Martin Tell us about a person (parent/grandparent/relative) who played a part in teaching you about your Tribal/Native/Indigenous culture, traditions, and/or knowledge: “One day, my mom shared that my grandma got really sick when she was younger and couldn’t walk. A ceremony was done for her, and not too soon after, my grandma felt better. My grandma was the oldest of her siblings, and she loved riding horses bareback. When she was old enough, she decided to move to Denver, CO, on her own in the early 1950s to try and make a new life for herself. This is where my mom and her siblings grew up. Both my grandma, mom and myself are enrolled members of the Rosebud Lakota. My mom would tell me of times when my grandma did a lot for her siblings who were still living on the reservation because she was the oldest. She is who taught my mom all that she knows, and my mom taught us what I know.” |
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Name: Antonio Helper What is your favorite Native American food? “My favorite food is NDN Tacos. I like it when my mom makes her tacos. Her fry bread is warm and fluffy, just like her hugs. The meat has flavor, unlike most of the other foods I consume. To make NDN tacos takes time and patience, like the one she barely has for me. All the ingredients take time to prepare, which shows me that she cares and loves me. They are a labor of LOVE! |
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Name: Jera Bagola Tell us about a person (parent/grandparent/relative) who played a part in teaching you about your Tribal/Native/Indigenous culture, traditions, and/or knowledge: “Native American History Month is important to me because it gives people an opportunity to acknowledge the history of my people and allows me to show my pride in my nation and people! For NAHM, the Native’s United student club will be displaying items to represent the tribes of students who attend East High School. This is our way of showing our pride at East High School. |
Resources
Check out this comprehensive book list for reading materials for various grade levels.
Events:
- Denver Art Museum Exhibitions
- Indomitably Indigenous: A Showcase of the Creativity of Indigenous Youth with the Colorado Native Organization - Nov. 7-Dec. 10
- Indigenous Arts of North America Galleries - Currently available
- Northwest Coast and Alaska Native Art Galleries - Currently available
- Arts of the Ancient Americas Galleries - Currently available
- American Indian College Fund hosting Ramona Emerson “Shutter” for Book Discussion - Nov. 15
- American Indian College Fund hosting Jessie Taken Alive for a Book Discussion - Nov. 20
- Sand Creek Massacre Candlelight Vigil - Nov. 29
- Sand Creek Massacre Awareness and Educational Discussion - Nov. 30
- Christian Indian Center 33rd Annual Christmas Bazaar - Dec. 2
- 42nd Annual Colorado Indian Market & Southwest Art Fest - Jan. 14-16, 2024
- Denver March Powwow - Mar. 15-17, 2024
Videos:
- Native American Heritage - The Three Sisters
- Native Power: Celebrating Excellence Across Native Communities
- A Real Thanksgiving Address
- Denver Nuggets Native American Heritage Night Halftime Show
- Native American Drums by Sid Whiting
Written Resources:
- American Indian College Fund Native American Heritage Month
- Indigenous Peoples’ Heritage Month
- American Indian Perspective on Thanksgiving
- Indigenous Tribes of Colorado
- Indigenous Colorado
Meet the Native American Culture and Education Team
Who We Are: Native American Culture and Education
What We Do: Native American Culture and Education (NACE) supports Native American/Alaska Native students in Denver Public Schools, many of whom experience two worlds in their day-to-day lives as they navigate the Denver community but still have a strong cultural identity with their tribal Nations. We foster culturally responsive approaches and practices to support academic success and overall well-being for Native students in Denver Public Schools.
Who We Serve: Native American Students in DPS
Staff:
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Rose Mcguire |
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Gwen Holmes Cheyenne River Lakota Lakota Language Instructor Abraham Lincoln High School She/Her/Hers |
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Beaulah Mormon Diné School Psychologist North High School, Cheltenham, Eagleton & Garden Place Elementary She/Her/Hers |
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Audry Brady Diné Program Manager West Middle School, West HS & East High School |
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Marjorie Lane Academic Advisor She/Her/Hers |
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Steve LaPointe Sicangu Lakota Cultural Partners South High School & John F. Kennedy High School |
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Erlidawn Roy |
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Eileen Masquat |
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Destiny Leftwich |
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Marcus Cyrus |
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Melanie Archuleta |
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| Gracie RedShirt-Tyon Oglala Lakota Nation NACE Advisor/Lakota Language Teacher North High School she/her/winyan</p |
