Native American & Indigenous Education Programming
Land Acknowledgement
Recognizing DPS commitments to “Know Justice, Know Peace,” we, the educational community, place our minds and bodies in this space while acknowledging Indigenous relatives who have lived in and cared for this ancient Land from time immemorial. We acknowledge the close relationship that Arapahoe, Cheyenne, Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute and Natives of (48) other Tribal Nations continue to have with the waters, plants, and all moving things that call this Land home. We pledge our respect for those enduring Indigenous connections to the place we now call Colorado.
Recent News
Equity Statement
Racial and Educational Equity is our collective responsibility. We will achieve equity when we dismantle deeply rooted systems of oppression that have historically resulted in inequitable access and distribution of opportunities and resources for those who represent marginalized identities, including race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, language and ability. We will create conditions where we all belong, are included, have clear purpose (why) and have the autonomy to lead in our respective areas. By creating these conditions, we will eliminate the predictability of success or failure for our students and team members.
In an effort to repair past harm and all the harm caused by settler colonialism, we are deeply committed to the following vision for our Native American and Indigenous programming:
To create a space where Native American and Indigenous Students and Families thrive, feel seen and valued for who they are, where their knowledge, wisdom and ways of being are centered, where we resist and counteract the values of settler colonialism and celebrate and promote traditional Native American and Indigenous values, virtues and beliefs; where students leave DCIS with a strong knowledge of self, culture, and community ready to fulfill their purpose.
Steps we have taken so far to have a successful, supportive Native American and Indigenous Education Programming:
- Hired a Native American educator to teach Diné (Navajo) Language and Culture.
- Collaborating with the Latino Cultural Arts Center of Colorado for their Ofrenda and Mental Wellness Program.
- A team of our staff is engaged in professional learning to enhance our ways of being with the Native American and Indigenous community.
- An additional mental health team member, team lead, and Assistant Principal dedicated to making this vision a reality.
What success will look like at DCIS:
- All staff will participate in family engagement events.
- Consistent Native and Indigenous Support team meetings with a form to monitor student and team progress.
- A clear referral process.
- Restoring the relationship within the Indigenous and Native Community.
DPS Native American Student Awards – 2024
A group of our Native and Indigenous students and staff attended the Native American Culture & Education celebration and luncheon yesterday and were honored with the following awards-
Turquoise Award – honors students who embody Native values in their community. This award celebrates students who live by the principles of respect, generosity, and responsibility, and who make a real impact in their communities.
– Award given to Xochitl Ochoa
Coral Award – honors creativity in all its forms—from art to problem-solving and beyond.
– Award given to Victoria Ramos-Rendon
Wampum Award – celebrates outstanding achievement in academics, work ethic, and commitment to learning. It’s an honor to present the Wampum Award to students who inspire us all to strive for excellence.
– Joy Keene
Jade Award – celebrates students who have overcome obstacles with grace and determination. These are the students who show us that resilience is about more than just pushing through—it’s about growing stronger with every challenge.
– Luciano Sanchez
Pearl Award – This award goes to students who exemplify the spirit of collaboration, cooperation, and leadership within a group setting.
– Rosalyn Leyba
Staff:
Language Award – These individuals have shown tremendous commitment to language preservation and revitalization.
– Anthony Crank
– Sophia Bagola
