Our department is actively boosting student literacy and driving personalized academic growth through dedicated one-on-one support. We are paving clear pathways to graduation by partnering with counselors and hosting events that equip students for future college and career success. Furthermore, we are revitalizing cultural identity by providing Lakota language instruction at East, North, and West High Schools and working with community partner organizations on creative activities. Here are some recent events and programs we've been working on this school year.

AIPAC is a dedicated group that provides essential guidance to our school district on policies and programs for our American Indian students. By joining us, you'll help ensure our students receive a culturally relevant and equitable education that celebrates their heritage. Students, families, and community members are welcome.

IMPORTANT AIPAC DATES:

*AIPAC Family Night, 5-7 PM, February 18, 2026

* AIPAC Meeting, 5-7 PM, March 12, 2026

* AIPAC Fundraiser for DTYF Powwow, March 14, 2026

* AIPAC Family Night/Mural Planning, 5-7 PM, April 1, 2026

AIPAC is co-organizing the Dance to Your Future powwow at West HS on April 18, 2026, planning family nights, and educational events.

For more information contact:

Gwen Holmes

Gwen_Holmes@dpsk12.net - NACE AIPAC Liaison

or

Steve LaPoint

1sttribalconsulting@gmail.com - DPS AIPAC President

We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of our new Native Student Center (NSC) at West High School! This dedicated space marks a major milestone for our community, providing a physical home where students and families can gather, connect, and thrive.

The center features a welcoming environment with a connected greenhouse where we plan to grow traditional medicinal plants and "three sisters" crops. It is designed to be a multipurpose hub for both cultural and practical needs - ranging from ribbon skirt workshops to Parent Portal instruction nights. Whether you are looking for a place to work on projects, fundraise, or simply find community, this space is yours. An article about the NSC was featured in The Denverite

Join the Vision: Family Mural Painting at the New Student Center!

We invite all DPS Native families to help us transform the new Native Student Center (NSC) at West HS into a vibrant home for our community. Renowned artist Kristina Maldonado Bad Hand is currently leading families through the planning phase of this exciting project.

The mural design reflects our shared values and heritage:

Outside the NSC - The exterior steps will be adorned with powerful social justice messages.

At the Entrance - Beautiful floral patterns will welcome everyone who enters the space.

Inside the Center - The interior will feature a stunning windowscape painting of the Colorado mountains with the words "Native Land" displayed in the style of the iconic Hollywood sign.

This is a multi-purpose gathering space designed for our families to build community and celebrate their identity. We look forward to seeing your creativity bring this space to life!

The next mural planning night will be held in conjunction with our AIPAC Family Night on February 18, 2026. See details in the Mark Your Calendar section below.

Congratulations to Linwood Morton: 2026 Mr. UNITY!

We are bursting with pride to celebrate Linwood Morton of Denver North High School, who was crowned 2026 Mr. UNITY at the recent UNITY Mid-Year Conference in Phoenix, AZ!

Linwood joined over 700 Native American students from across the nation, which included 14 other DPS NACE HS students, for an experience focused on community organizing, cultural knowledge, and youth leadership. His excellence and dedication earned him this incredible national recognition. We are incredibly proud of him and excited to continue our collaboration with the Denver UNITY Youth Council, based out of the Denver Indian Center, where Linwood serves as a member.

A special shoutout to the strong representation from North High School. Along with Native DPS students from East HS, South HS, Kennedy HS, and other districts, this Council is truly leadership in action - serving as a powerful voice for our community.

CALL FOR YOUTH LEADERS: The Denver UNITY Youth Council is looking for new voices! If you know a student/youth aged 14-24 who is interested in making a difference, please contact Clark TallBull at the Denver Indian Center.

NACE's Book Buddies program has started with great momentum! Students from North High School welcomed their Cheltenham Elementary school buddy to visit their Indigenous Leadership classroom and spend the morning taking turns reading to each other. We finished our time together by sharing a meal. The objective of this program is to encourage literacy through strong culturally relevant literature, and to light the fire of kinship for our various age groups.

Students from South, East, North, and West High Schools gathered at South HS to honor Native American History Month through art and community. Led by the South HS Native American Student Alliance, students painted the sidewalks with themes celebrating the impact of First Nations on American society. This powerful display remained through fall break for the community to enjoy and learn from. The day concluded with presentations by South HS Native students to the entire student body, followed by a school-wide round dance.

Our recent collaboration with the Denver Indian Family Resource Center at the Mile High New Year's Powwow at Lincoln High School was a heartwarming success! Students crafted miniature regalia for their stuffed animals, matching their own attire or "starting small" for their first time in the powwow circle. Andy Cozad inducted the youth into the Rabbit Society, honoring them as caretakers of the small, anti-bullying advocates, and role models for their families. Congratulations to our contest winner, who featured a lace overlay ribbon skirt and a "LAND BACK" shirt!

Calling all rising Juniors and Seniors! As we look toward graduation and beyond, it is vital for our Native American students to visualize themselves thriving on a college campus.

We are excited to announce upcoming college visits to Colorado State University (CSU), Fort Lewis College (FLC), and Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU).

These visits are more than just a tour; they are an opportunity to connect with on campus Native Student resources, learn about specific tuition waivers and financial aid for Native American students, and find a community where you belong. Seeing a campus firsthand is the best way to determine if it feels like "home".

Don't miss the bus on your future!

Who: Rising Juniors & Seniors

Where: CSU, FLC, and MSU

Interested? Sign up here or contact Audrienna_Brady@dpsk12.net.

Denver Public Schools (DPS) is committed to celebrating the cultural identity and achievements of our Native students. As you prepare for graduation, please be aware of your rights regarding traditional regalia:

* Protected by Law: Colorado state law (SB 23-202) protects the right of Native American students (Pre-K through 12th grade) to wear and display traditional regalia during graduation ceremonies.

* Visibility Matters: Traditional regalia can be worn over or instead of a standard cap and gown. These items are meant to be seen and celebrated, not hidden.

* Specific Legal Standing: Unlike broader graduation attire laws, these rights are based on the unique political relationship between Tribal Nations and the U.S. government.

* Who is Covered: This policy applies to students identified as American Indian in Infinite Campus or those with a Title VI 506 Eligibility form on file.

We want to ensure your heritage is honored with the respect it deserves during this milestone. For more details, you can read the full open letter to DPS here.

Join us in welcoming our newest team members, who are dedicated to uplifting Native ways of knowing and being while advocating for the success of the whole child across our community.

Dr. Dodie White Eagle 

Dr. Dodie White Eagle, Northern Arapaho, is a Program Specialist. Dr. White Eagle partners with middle schoolers to help them unlock their inherent potential. She uses her personal journey not just as motivation, but as a tool to co-create inclusive environments where Native youth are empowered to lead their own educational success. Outside of this transformative work, she nurtures her own spirit by traveling and seeing as many beaches as possible!

Alexis Vigil

Alexis Vigil, M.A., is a Western Shoshone (Te-Moak Tribe) citizen and Denver-raised Chicana leading the Indigenous Leadership program at North HS. A DPS and NACE alumna, she integrates her background in psychology and community organizing to empower students through cultural identity and social advocacy.

Kristina Maldonado Bad Hand

Kristina Maldonado Bad Hand is a creative professional known for founding ayA Con, Colorado's Indigenous Comic and Art Festival and for her thoughtful perspective and commitment to meaningful work. Her background blends artistic skill, experience, cultural awareness, and community-centered values, which inform everything she does.

Chenoa Crowshoe Patterson

Chenoa Crowshoe-Patterson, LCSW, Blackfeet and Karuk, is the Mental Health Specialist serving students under NACE. Her goals are to help eliminate barriers to a successful education and understand students' needs to support their future personal and career goals. She enjoys hiking, hockey, and storytelling.

Visit the Calendar link for updated NACE events, including:

AIPAC DTYF Powwow and Career Fair

April 18, 2026

12:00 PM

There is a powerful moment approaching in our community - a day where tradition meets the future, and where we celebrate every step of the educational journey.

We are thrilled to announce a unique event dedicated to our students and families. This isn't just an event; it's a 'proud moment' designed by students and parents, for students and parents.

Whether you are cheering on a Tiny Tot celbrating a continuation or honoring our Doctoral Graduates, this day is about the strength of our community and the brilliance of our scholars. The Native American High School graduates invite you to a day filled with: Accomplishment and Pride; Encouragement; Culture and Creativity and Good Medicine.

Vendors and Colleges, please feel free to reach out to Marcus at Marcus_Cyrus@dpsk12.net. We would love to have your organization represented as we celebrate our graduates. 

We Are the Land Celebration

February 7, 2026

1:00-4:00 PM

Hyrdro Building of the CSU Spur Campus 4777 National Western Dr. 

The event is free and open to the public. Free parking available on the Spur Campus across the street from the Hydro Building. Elders and those with mobility needs may be dropped off directly in front of the Hydro Building. 

On Saturday, February 7, Landmark Preservation staff and the American Indian community will celebrate the culmination of more than three years of work to preserve and celebrate the history and culture of Denver's current American Indian population, who have come to Denver from Tribes across the country, as well as Tribal Nations with cultural and historic ties to the land that is now Denver. The oral history project "We are the Land: American Indian Life, Legacy and Future in Denver" aims to recognize how the traditional knowledge and oral histories of American Indians are integral to Denver's cultural identity.

Along with the release of the oral history project, the event will also feature a panel discussion featuring Native students from across Metro Denver, a screening of the accompanying documentary produced by Off the Road Productions and a showcase of the art created by participants of the Indigenous youth art contest.

Lunch will be provided by Moonshell Pizza, an Indigenous-and Worker-Owned Cooperative, with gluten free and vegetarian options available. RSVP HERE

Culture as Resilience: Denver March Powwow Pass Distribution

(Powwow Field Trip: March 20)

March 12, 2026

5:00-7:00 PM

Student Center at West High School (Room 112)

We are excited to announce our Denver March Powwow pass distribution event, sponsored by the State Opioid Response (SOR) grant from the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration. This partnership is built on the belief that when students are deeply connected to their culture and community, they build greater resilience against substance abuse.

Passes will be distributed to NACE students.

Eligibility: Passes are available for students in the NACE program, one pass per student.

Not Enrolled? If you have submitted your ED 506 form, please bring your tribal information to the event.

Title VI Eligibility: You can submit a form if you are a descendant of a tribal member in the first or second degree (child, parent, or grandparent)

Buses to the Denver March Powwow will be provided as a field trip on March 20th for students at the following schools:

If you attend one of these schools, please ask your NACE Specialist for more information and permission slips.

Senior Honoring 2026

May 12, 2026

5:00-7:00 PM

Student Center at West High School (Room 112)

Please join us in celebrating and honoring our DPS NACE Seniors 2026!

If you have a senior, save the date for our NACE celebration at West HS on May 12. Help us prepare by sharing information about your DPS Native graduating senior by completing this form.

Mural Planning Night

February 18, 2026

5:00-7:00 PM

Student Center at West High School (Room 112)

The next mural planning night will be held in conjunction with our AIPAC family night. Mural planning and Family Movie Night will feature Native short movies for all ages. Feel free to bring pillows and treats, and wear PJs (optional). Popcorn will be provided.

The ED 506 Form, is a vital document that ensures your child is officially recognized and supported within Denver Public Schools. By completing this federal form, you help our Native American Culture and Education (NACE) program secure Title VI funding for cultural programs, academic resources, and specialized support. 

Key Facts for Families:

How to Submit

The Denver Public Schools Community Hubs are community resource centers connecting students, families, and the greater community with services to maximize family stability and increase academic success. Community Hubs are dedicated to fostering a sense of belonging and support in our communities.

We believe that everyone should have equal access to opportunities, resources, and support, regardless of their background.

All services are at no cost and open to community members. (services vary by hub; contact your hub for more information)

What services are provided?

Our vision is to cultivate an educational journey where every Native American student feels secure, valued, and rooted in their identity, empowering them as lifelong learners who graduate with a clear and confident pathway to college or a meaningful career.

Our mission is to advocate for the success of the whole child and uplift the value of Native ways of knowing and being to build student confidence through respectful, strategic partnerships that enhance their educational journey and create clear pathways to opportunity.

Dr. Jennifer Wolf - Director of NACE

Ponca, Ojibwe, Santee

Jen_Wolf@dpsk12.net

720-423-2573

Marcus Cyrus - Support Specialist (JFK, South, TJ, GW and Northfield HS)

Apsaalooke Nation

Marcus_Cyrus@dpsk12.net

Destiny Leftwich - Literacy Specialist (Cheltenham, Colfax and Cowell Elementary)

Oglala Lakota

Destiny_Leftwich@dpsk12.net

Audry Brady - Manager (East, West and North HS)

Dine Navajo Nation

Audrienna_Brady@dpsk12.net

Eileen Masquat -Lakota Language Instructor (East and North HS)

Sicangu Lakota

Eileen_Masquat@dpsk12.net

Gwen Holmes - Support Specialist (Lincoln HS and Lake MS)

Cheyenne River Lakota

Gwen_Holmes@dpsk12.net

Dr. Dodie White Eagle - Program Specialist (DSST-Cole, McAuliffe, Bear Valley, DCIS, and Lake MS)

Northern Arapaho

Dodie_White-Eagle@dpsk12.net

Alexis Vigil - Program Specialist (North HS)

Western Shoshone (Te-Moak Tribe)

Alexis_Vigil@dpsk12.net

Kristina Maldonado Bad Hand - NACE Cultural Specialist

Sicangu Lakota and Cherokee

k_bad-hand-maldonad@dpsk12.net

Chenoa Crowshoe-Patterson - NACE Mental Health Specialist

Blackfeet and Karuk

c_crowshoe-patterso@dpsk12.net

The following QR Code links to a Google drive of resources and information about Natives for students, educators, and families. It's a living document, so if you have an addition to suggest, contact Audry Brady at Audrienna_Brady@dpsk12.net.

NACE INSTAGRAM LINK

NACE Facebook Link

EAST NATIVES UNITED INSTAGRAM LINK

North Indigenous Leadership Link