Session Three: Innovation in Education
"Decolonizing Diné Education: Building a New Educational System for Navajo Nation" - Panelists: Wendy S. Greyeyes, Ph.D., University of New Mexico; Greg Bigman, Clara Pratte, Harvey Rude, Ph.D. and Darrick Franklin
Navajo Education is a vast system that educates nearly 40,000 K-12 students and 3,000 tribal college students. The Navajo educational system embodies many players and entities that shape a complex field that has minimalized the nation’s oversight. As Navajo Nation exerts their inherent tribal sovereignty, these are brushed aside for state and federal priorities. In order for the nation to build back better, Navajo Nation must retool their tribal educational institution that decolonizes Navajo education through honesty, transparency, respect, and trust.