Description

For far too long, education has been done to Indigenous communities rather than with them. In 2015, The Native American Community Academy Inspired Schools Network (NISN) created an environment for systemic transformation of education systems for Indigenous youth by supporting Indigenous leadership and the creation of community-led schools. Twenty years ago the namesake school, Native American Community Academy, opened its doors in Albuquerque, New Mexico with the mission of providing students an education grounded in wellness, community, college/career readiness and leadership— – all of which were informed by the community. Today, NISN supports a network of 18 schools across 7 states in implementing their own community-led vision of education—one that is centered in identity, holistic wellness and academic relevance. Kwiyagat Community Academy in Towaoc, Colorado is an NISN school who is seeking to reimagine an education where the Ute Mountain Ute language and culture is central to students’ learning. Learn about the Kwiyagat Community Academy story and how our network of schools are working towards educational transformation and sustainability of Indigenous ways of being and knowing.