JEDI Event

Indigenous Equity in the Educational Environment

Tuesday, January 23, 2024
4:00 – 5:30 PM Pacific

In-person or Virtual

PAE

151 SW 1st Ave, Portland, OR 97204

Professionals working with Indigenous Communities to create educational environments that provide inclusion and diversity in the classroom and beyond.

We will have the opportunity to hear from individuals who share the lived experience of advocating for and creating representation for Native American culture and learning in the education environment, whether a public, charter, compact, or Federal BIE Tribal School.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn why representation matters with Indigenous Communities to create educational environments.
• Learn about who should participate in the process of designing/building a new school or program.
• What are the nuances working with a state vs. a Federal or private school system?
• How does funding impact the decision-making process when it comes to design and implementation?

Event Panel

Kari McCormick

Kari, National Director of Client Services for Wenaha Group, is responsible for new client development and maintaining client satisfaction throughout the life of a construction project while assuring cultural competencies and alignment of the company’s Guiding Principles. In addition, she supports community outreach and helps to grow the Wenaha team in recruitment. Twenty years working in the A/E/C industry in Indian Country she is committed to advancing the lives of Native peoples through economic and community development. Her respect for learning about each unique Tribal culture, honoring the traditions and history of Indigenous Nations and helping the construction and design industry find a common language to bring progressive and meaningful development to Indian Country is her passion.

Laurie Danzuka

Laurie is a member of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and live in Warm Springs on the reservation. Laurie has served in various advocacy roles at the Tribal, State and local level. Her longest volunteer position has been serving the families of the Jefferson County 509-J School District as a Board Director. Laurie’s journey began at preschool so she understands the need for family involvement in their child’s education. Laurie has participated in two successful school bond elections that have provided new construction, upgrades to existing buildings, and added security for students and faculty. The district is unique that it must collaborate with Tribal Leadership and Tribal Culture and Language programs to shape the space and education opportunities for their schools.

Cynthia A. Savini, M.Ed.

Cynthia of the Makah, Jamestown S’Klallam and Quileute tribes, is the Director of the Marion Forsman-Boushie Early Learning Center for the Suquamish Tribe. Formerly, the Family Service Division Director for the United Indians of All Tribes Foundation in Seattle, WA , Cynthia is an alumnus of Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA, and City University, Bellevue, WA. Cynthia has taught all ages from infants to adults and has worked in both the public and private sectors for the K-12 system, tribal schools and pharmaceutical companies as an educator, trainer and speaker. Cynthia has rich experience in child and brain development, children’s literature, Native culture and education as well as deep knowledge of curriculum and instruction. Prior experience includes Native culture curriculum development, summer youth activity coordination and teaching culture and language at a BIE tribal school. Cynthia is the grand-daughter of Pearl Kallappa Warren, founder and first Executive Director of the American Indian Women’s Service League, and the daughter of Dr. Lt. Col. (Ret.) Charles A. Hall, both of the Makah nation. Cynthia is also a healer and light worker who integrates traditional medicines and light work with her training in trauma informed response therapies.

Becky Wall

Becky is an education planner and interior designer specializing in early education and healthcare facilities for children. For the past seven years, she has delivered projects to a range of clients including the Quileute Indian Tribe, Quinault Indian Tribe, Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, and Bremerton School District. Her work seeks to improve the lives of children through educational facilities that inspire and delight. Her dedication to the success of students and children is reflected in not only her project experience but in her dedication to various organizations through volunteerism and mentorship in the Pacific Northwest Region.

Free to attend. Please RSVP by January 22, 2024.