Session Two: Innovation in education
"Diné Resistance and Transformation for and in Education" - Panelists: Amanda Tachine, Ph.D., Arizona State University; Cynthia Benally, Ph.D., University of Utah; Colin Ben, Ph.D., Arizona State University
This panel addresses education issues impacting Navajo students and families from 1974 to present day that affirm resistance and transformation of Diné peoples. The first panelist, Dr. Cynthia Benally will explore the court case: Sinajini v. San Juan County School District where Diné parents in San Juan County, Utah sued the San Juan School District for denying adequate education for their children. Dr. Benally examines how the school district was and is a microcosm of the social and political differences of the larger society of San Juan County, Utah. Dr. Colin Ben discusses the process of creating a Native STEM summer research program and their impacts on Navajo/Native student recruitment and retention between ASU Transportation Engineering program and Dine' College STEM Department. Dr Amanda R. Tachine presents Navajo students experiences getting into college. Students viewed their rural, reservation schools as lacking academic rigor and a college culture.