Indigenous Educator Pathway Programs

• Indigenous Teacher Education Program (ITEP) at the University of Arizona
• Preparing Indigenous Teachers for Arizona Schools (PITAS) at Northern Arizona University
• Preparing Educators for Arizona's Indian Communities (PEAIC) at Arizona State University

Indigenous Education Degree Programs

• Indigenous Education, MA at Arizona State University
• Teaching, Learning & Sociocultural Studies Ph.D. at the University of Arizona, opportunity to focus on Indigenous Studies, Education, and Language

Please click on the drop-down menus below to view resources. 

If you need assistance with specific resources, please email [email protected]. 

Professional Learning Opportunities from External Organizations

Per SB 1505, the primary goal of the Native American Code Writers Program (NACWP) is to introduce computer code writing curriculum and deliver a technology-focused education to better engage Native American high school students. The Computer Science (CS) content is designed to help students think critically, problem-solve, and work with technology integration by using app development, gaming, website design, multimedia, cyber security and robotics.

The initiative is designed to address the education and workforce preparation of Native youth not only in Arizona, but across the nation. The NACWP provides for a highly integrative series of four, year-long computer science high school courses, strategically integrated with business and industry mentoring, shadowing and internship experiences. Participating students acquire the knowledge and skills required for information technology, industry certification and/or matriculation into higher education computer science and information technology degree programs.

Tribal Education Departments (TEDs) are departments within tribes that assist with addressing multiple aspects of a child's education, including but not limited to health and nutrition, safety and wellness, heritage language, cultural practices, and family engagement. TED staff members administer their tribal education systems to meet the unique needs of their students - they know their children and communities best. Thus, it is imperative that TEDs are consulted and utilized as an effective resource when seeking assistance or guidance on how to best support the academic needs of Native American students.

		Tribe		Contact Information
		Ak-Chin Indian Community		Mario Molina  [email protected]
		Cocopah Indian Tribe		Wynnie Ortega [email protected] | (928) 627-4973
		Colorado River Indian Tribes		Michael Drennan, Jr. [email protected] | (928) 669-8831
		Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation		Dr. Victoria Corlett [email protected] | (480) 789-7229
		Fort Mojave Indian Tribe		Christina Cameron-Otero [email protected] | (928) 346-1121
		Gila River Indian Community		Sherilyn Analla [email protected] | (520) 562-3662
		Havasupai Tribe*		Vice Chairman Armando Marshall (928) 448-2731
		Hopi Tribe*		Noreen Sakiestewa [email protected] | (928) 734-3501
		Hualapai Tribe		Jonell Tapija [email protected] | (928) 769-2200
		Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians		Amanda Bundy [email protected] | (928) 871-7466
		Navajo Nation		Claudia Russell-Edgewater [email protected] | (928) 871-7475
		Pascua Yaqui Tribe		Sarah Pendergrass [email protected] | (520) 879-5707
		Pueblo of Zuni		Bernadette Panteah [email protected] | (505) 782-5998
		Quechan Tribe		Cyrus Ramirez (760) 572-5268
		Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community		Miranda Johnson-Moya [email protected] | (480) 362-2588
		San Carlos Apache Tribe		Flora Talas [email protected] | (928) 475-2336
		San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe		Keenan Barlow [email protected] | (928) 212-9794
		Tohono O'odham Nation		Patrick Andrews [email protected] | (520) 349-2614
		Tonto Apache Tribe		Christine Zuber [email protected] | (928) 474-5000
		White Mountain Apache Tribe		Derrick Leslie [email protected] | (928) 338-2572
		Yavapai-Apache Nation		Leona Wathogoma [email protected] | (928) 649-7112
		Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe		Vacant (928) 445-8790

* Oversees BIE schools only. There are 2 types of schools monitored by the Bureau of Indian Education: 1) BIE schools (federal entities) and 2) Tribally Controlled Grant Schools (administered by Sovereign Tribal Nations or are under the direction of a Governing Board authorized by Tribal Nations). Neither of these schools are considered a Public School on Tribal Lands nor has reporting requirements to the State Education Agency. However, ESSA Tribal Consultation must still be offered by applicable LEAs, /oie/tribal-consultation.

References:

UA Native Peoples Technical Assistance Office 

Identification matters for our communities

Now more than ever, as we strive to strengthen tribal sovereignty and have accurate representation in the U.S. Census, we must ensure Native American students have greater visibility in schools, treaty obligations are fulfilled, and programs designed to meet the needs of Native students are appropriately funded and directed.

Tribal enrollment helps support Native American students

American Indian and Alaska Native students are eligible to receive unique educational support from a variety of programs. However, many Native students do not receive the services they need and qualify for—simply because they are not identified as American Indian or Alaska Native.

Properly identifying Native youth helps ensure appropriate program funding, uphold treaty obligations, and track student achievement. It also suggests how to create school- or district-wide engagement plans for reaching out to Native American families and caregivers. The companion family resource guide, Native Youth Count can help clarify the circumstances in which Native students are eligible for different services.

Who can I reach out to for support with Tribal enrollment? 

Each individual tribe has different tribal enrollment policies, processes, and timelines. Please contact your tribe's tribal enrollment and/or records department for additional information. 

Common questions

The Office of Indian Education hosts a recurring virtual convening entitled OIE Connect (formerly Policy & Program Updates for Indigenous Stakeholders).

Purpose: Provide updates, resources, and information to support and strengthen collaboration among parents, educators, school staff, and Indigenous communities to advance the success and well-being of Native American students. 

Next OIE CONNECT:

	Date: November, 9th 2026 Time: 3 PM - 4 PM (MST)	Presenter 1: ADE Johanna Kaiser Presenter 2: Anthony Gray, Gila River Indian Community (GRIC) Culture and Language Program
	Please register to receive the Zoom link.	November 9, 2026 Webinar Registration
	Subscribe to receive reminders!	Join Listserv

Johanna Kaiser, ADE K-12 Science Education Specialist

Integrating Local Phenomena and Indigenous Knowledge into Science Education Discover how local phenomena and Indigenous knowledge can be used to create engaging, culturally relevant science learning experiences. This presentation will explore approaches that connect science instruction to students' communities, cultures, and lived experiences while supporting meaningful STEM learning. Website: Arizona Science Standards | Department of Education

Anthony Gray, GRIC Tribal Education Culture and Language Program Manager

Cultural and Language Programs Supporting Indigenous Communities Learn about how the GRIC cultural and language program help preserve Indigenous traditions, strengthen community connections, and support student success. This presentation will highlight the role of cultural and language programs in education. Website: GRIC Cultural Program Home

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Registration updates for 2026:

Beginning in January 2026, we will no longer provide a recurring meeting link. In order to access webinars in 2026, participants will have to register with their name and email address. After registration, you will receive the meeting link in your email. Feel free to join us for one or all webinars! You will receive a reminder email on the morning of our webinars. 

For scheduled presenters: Use the Zoom meeting registration above to receive the meeting link. Please log on by 2:50PM. Notify OIE staff if you have any issues.

Are you an education program or organization with available support, resources, or free events available for Arizona educators or Native American communities and want to present at an upcoming webinar? Email [email protected].

2026 Virtual Convenings

Webinar resources will be provided below. 

September 14th, 2026

• ADE Homeless Education
• College Board

April 20, 2026 

• Arizona Institute for Education & The Economy
• ADE Grants Management

March 16, 2026 

• OIE Updates 
• AskBenji Updates 
• AZ Tribal Regalia Graduation Toolkit Updates

February 23, 2026

• OIE Updates
• National Indian Education Association Policy updates

January 26, 2026

• AZ Tribal Consultation Updates
• ADE ESS Review and Questions 

Policy & Program Updates Archives

Arizona Revised Statute §15-348 protects the right of Native American students to wear traditional tribal regalia and objects of cultural significance during graduation ceremonies. School districts and charter schools may not prohibit students who are members of, or eligible for enrollment in, a federally recognized tribe from wearing tribal regalia, including eagle feathers and eagle plumes. A.R.S. §15-348 became effective April 20, 2021.

The Toolkit Library provides resources for students, families, schools, districts, governing boards, and the education community to support successful graduation planning and implementation of Arizona's tribal regalia protections.

Resources for Students & Families

On April 9, 2025, the Office of Indian Education released the AZ Tribal Regalia Graduation Toolkit for Students and Families, designed to provide valuable resources and guidance to help families and students navigate the wearing of tribal regalia in graduation ceremonies.

View Student & Families Toolkit

View PDF Version

Resources for School/District Administrators & Governing Boards

On April 17, 2025, the AZ Tribal Regalia Graduation Toolkit for School/District Administrators and Governing Boards was released to provide additional guidance around procedures for the wearing of tribal regalia at graduation. Both toolkits have been created at the request of Arizona's tribal nations and Superintendent of Schools, Tom Horne.

View Administrators and Governing Boards Toolkit

View PDF Version

View Toolkit FAQ's

Take your learning to the next level with live webinars and on-demand training focused on tribal regalia at graduation. Explore practical strategies, legal guidance, and ready-to-use resources that help schools, families, and communities support Native American students preparing for graduation ceremonies. Learn at your own pace or connect with colleagues through interactive live sessions.

Tribal Regalia Graduation Toolkit Webinar Series 

A Year of Preparation, A Day of Celebration: Planning for Tribal REGALIA AT GRADUATION

The Office of Indian Education is launching a Tribal Regalia Graduation Toolkit Webinar Series, a four-part professional learning opportunity designed to help schools, districts, and families support Native American students as they prepare for graduation. The series focuses on understanding tribal regalia protections, strengthening communication, and ensuring students can celebrate their achievements in accordance with Arizona law.

Participants will explore Arizona tribal regalia laws, school and family responsibilities, graduation planning strategies, and resources from the Tribal Regalia Graduation Toolkit library. The webinars are scheduled throughout the school year, providing timely guidance from preparation in the Fall to reflection and future planning in the Spring.

TRGT 101: What You Need to Know About A.R.S. 15-348 & Arizona's Tribal Regalia Graduation Toolkits

This webinar provides an overview of the Toolkits and best-practice recommendations, as well as guidance for training staff and volunteers on A.R.S. §15-348 prior to graduation. OIE offers this brief, easy-to-follow webinar at no cost to participants. Upon completion, attendees earn 1 Continuing Education Unit (CEU).

Register for the course through ADE Connect and the Arizona Professional Learning & Development (APLD) platform.

MEDIA

Video - Arizona School Boards Association 

What School Boards should know about tribal regalia at graduation. Under A.R.S. 15-348, school governing boards may not prohibit students who are members of, or eligible to be enrolled in, a federally recognized tribe from wearing tribal regalia or items of cultural significance, including eagle feathers, during graduation ceremonies. School board members play a crucial role in ensuring their district's policies and practices support both compliance and respect. The toolkit also underscores the importance of training staff and volunteers, particularly in the handling of eagle feathers, which are protected under federal law and cannot be removed by school personnel. 

Video from ASBA: Your Guide to the AZ Tribal Regalia Graduation Toolkit 

National Recognition 

On October 9, 2025, OIE Professional Learning Specialist, Elaine Mollindo, was awarded the Community Service of the Year Award from the National Indian Education Association for her work on creating the AZ Tribal Regalia Graduation Toolkits. Listen to her acceptance speech below! Congratulations Elaine! 

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Impact Aid is Federal funding provided directly to school districts to make up for lost tax revenues from federally owned property within their boundaries (i.e., military bases and Indian Reservations). These Title VII funds are managed through the US Department of Education.  Impact Aid should not be considered extra funding, but funding that is provided  to equalize districts who do not receive tax realated revenues like other districts receive.

Impact Aid Overview Infographic

Resource Links

About Impact Aid - National Association of Federally Impacted Schools

- Frequently Asked Questions - Impact Aid Parent-Pupil Survey

US Department of Education - Impact Aid Program

ADE School & Student Data Resources

Impact Aid Regulation - US Department of Education

- Impact Aid Resources

Beware Name Change - Title VII vs Title VI 

There have been changes in the title programs that can cause some confusion. So it's important to understand the historical changes and to double check that everyone is referring to the same program.  

Prior to 2017, the Title VI grant of today - Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native Education grant, had the roman numeral identification VII with the same heading - Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native Education. This numbering changed to VI under the new ESSA law (Every Student Succeeds Act).

In other words, today's Title VI grant was previously known as Title VII, Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native Education. However, after 2017 this grant became Title VI, with the same name. 

To clarify further, Title VII now refers to Impact Aid funding. 

It is beneficial for anyone working with these grants to double check when talking with stakeholders to make sure everyone is referring to the same grant.

Per requirements in A.R.S. 15-244, Indian Education Act, the Office of Indian Education provides technical assistance to schools and tribal nations to meet the educational needs of Native American students, including the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of curricula and instruction that are culturally relevant and aligned to state standards, and family and community involvement in the education of Native American students.

Professional Learning from the Office of Indian Education:

We compile our professional learning opportunities, such as webinars and recordings, online courses, and upcoming in-person events here. They are available to all educators in Arizona. Additionally, we have gathered free educational resources from tribal, local, state, and national organizations that can be used in classrooms and schools serving Native American students.

2025 Indigenous Literacy project

Stay tuned for details about the Fall 2025 Indigenous Literacy Project! We are working diligently to bring educators and unforgetable experience filled with learning and networking. Please check back soon for more information. 

2025 Indigenous STEM Project 

Thank you to those who attended and participated in our 2025 Indigenous STEM Symposium! Did you miss the virtual events? Visit the additional resources below to view recordings from the Indigenous STEM Educators Showcase and the STEM Professionals Panel! 

Thank you to the following organizations!

Additional OIE resources

Professional Learning Opportunities from External Organizations