|
NACE/AIPAC 2026 Summer Newsletter |
Opportunities and Resources for DPS Native Students and Families |
The NACE (Native American Culture and Education) team and the AIPAC (American Indian Parent/Guardian/Student Advisory Committee) hope you had a great school year and have fun plans for the summer!
Traditionally, summer is a time for connection. During these warm months, our tribes would gather to:
|
- Hold ceremonies and celebrations
- Trade with other communities
- Store up food and resources for the winter ahead
|
Even though school is out, we are still hard at work! The NACE and AIPAC teams are already planning for next school year. We also want to make sure you know about exciting opportunities and resources available to you over the summer.
We invite all DPS Native families and students to join AIPAC. By joining, you can help NACE shape what we do all year long and stay updated on our progress.
Have a wonderful, safe summer!
Dr. Jennifer Wolf, NACE Director
|
American Indian Parent Advisory Committee |
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.
For more information contact:
Gwen Holmes, Gwen_Holmes@dpsk12.net - NACE AIPAC Liaison
or
Steve LaPointe, 1sttribalconsulting@gmail.com - DPS AIPAC President
|
Join other Native DPS families for potluck fun in the sun. We will have games, burgers and hot dogs, paper ware/utensils/cups/napkins and water/lemonade. Suggestions for what to bring are below listed alphabetically by last name, but if you have a summer favorite family recipe, that’s great too.
A-F: Side Dishes (macaroni salad, potato salad, beans)
G-M: Chips, Dips, and Snacks
N-T: Fruits, Veggies, Salads (watermelon, fruit skewers, green salad, fruit salad)
U-Z: Desserts and Sweet Treats
|
- Date: Jul 14, 2026
- Time: 5-7 pm
- Location: Sloans Lake South Picnic Shelter, 17th and Utica
|
2026 Graduation and Continuation |
This year’s graduation celebration was an evening to remember. Native students from across the district were welcomed at West High School for the NACE Graduation Ceremony. Keynote Rick Williams, inspired students to “never give up” and thank their families for the support they received on their journey so far. Bre Gonzales was the recipient of our Full Circle Award, in recognition for her community work. This award is for NACE graduates giving back to our people.
Participants received star quilts sponsored by Colorado Trust, a monetary gift from People of the Sacred Land, plant medicine bundles from Denver Indian Health and Family Services, and custom stoles from NACE.
Families shared a meal catered by Moonshell Cooperative, an Indigenous and worker-owned catering business which uses locally sourced, seasonal, and traditional Native American ingredients.
Our middle school specialist, Dr Dodie White Eagle, celebrated students continuing from middle school to high school. NACE looks forward to supporting their continued journey to graduation.
|
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. |
- Official Recognition: In the school database, other ethnicities can sometimes override a student's Native identity. A 506 Form ensures their heritage is accurately counted.
- Lineage Eligibility: Your child does not have to be an enrolled tribal member to qualify. You can submit the form based on the tribal enrollment of a parent or grandparent.
-
Missing Information? If you have an enrollment number, simply list the Tribal Nation or write "pending". Our NACE specialists can follow up to help.
- One-Time Submission: Once the form is on file, it does not need to be completed every year.
- How to Submit
-
Fill out the ED 506 Form with student and tribal information. The Google folder has more information about the form and the latest available version. When it is updated at the end of June 2026, the version will be updated in the folder. If you sign it in July or after, please use the latest form in the Google folder.
-
Sign and date the document.
- Return it to Gwen_Holmes@dpsk12.net
|
We would like to express our sincere gratitude for the opportunity to work with Destiny as our Literacy Specialist. Over the past three years, Destiny has supported Cheltenham, Colfax, Cowell, and Dennison Montessori Elementary Schools. She has also stepped up and supported high school students when needed. We were honored and truly appreciate the support, collaboration, and friendships she's built. Destiny made time with NACE fun and enjoyable. We wish Destiny the very best in the next chapter of her career and her future endeavors. She will be very much missed by her colleagues, students and their families. Destiny's personal email address is Destinyfleftwich@gmail.com. She would love to hear your student(s) academic success.
|
NACE will be hosting our Native American Student Literacy Camp during August 3-6, 2026 for upcoming 1st through 5th grade DPS students. Location to be determined.
We will honor our culture and identity by reading books written by Native American authors with the discussion focus on traditional values. The students will have numerous activities and games throughout the day that encourage and build on their reading skills. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. If interested please contact Alexis Vigil at alexis_vigil@dpsk12.net for more information.
|
Rock the Rez, a nonprofit that offers free summer camps to Indigenous girls, two-spirit, transgender, and LGBTQ+ youth (ages 7-17).
This year's camp will be from 8 am - 4 pm from August 6th - 9th (half day on the 9th). There are limited spots (20-25) that the camp can accommodate.
Campers will have the opportunity to perform a song at the free Indigenous music concert, All My Relations Celebration, which is held on August 9th this year.
|
NACE Back to School Supply Event |
Save the date!
When: 4-7 pm August 20, 2026
Where: West High School
ED 506 Form are required, blank forms will be available.
NACE Back to School distribution registration link Register
Limited number of Pendleton Backpacks available for seniors on a first come first serve basis.
|
FACE Back to School Event |
In addition to the NACE event, the Family and Community Engagement (FACE) team is looking ahead to help students start next year ready to learn and succeed! The new 2026-27 Back-to-School Shopping Experience has been redesigned to give families a more relaxed and personalized experience at our Community Hubs.
What is the Back-to-School Shopping Experience?
It is a free, one-stop shopping experience where students can pick out grade-level backpacks and school supplies in a welcoming and stress-free environment. All DPS families are welcome.
How it works (By Appointment)
To help families avoid long lines and have enough time to shop comfortably, visits will take place by scheduled appointment during the week of Aug.10-14. REGISTER HERE
|
Spirit of the Sun Youth Programs |
Spirit of the Sun strengthens Indigenous resilience and self-determination by honoring ancestral wisdom, cultural identity, and connection to the land. Guided by the Seven Generations teachings, we empower youth to lead, learn, and thrive.
Youth Advocacy (Ages 13–19)
• Build leadership, public speaking, and advocacy skills
• Explore environmental and climate justice through Indigenous perspectives
• Learn from Elders, mentors, and community leaders
• Honorariums provided for active participation
Youth Mentorship (Ages 8–17)
• Monthly activities, including outdoor adventures, arts, and museum visits
• Land-based learning and cultural connection
• Build confidence, identity, and lasting relationships with Indigenous mentors
Together, these programs prepare the next generation to strengthen their communities, cultures, and future generations.
Questions? Contact zoe@spiritofthesun.org or contact@spiritofthesun.org.
|
-
My Denver Card: Youth ages five through 18 have free access to Denver’s recreation centers, swimming pools and cultural centers with their My Denver Card.
-
Youth Program Locator: To learn more about summer programming and resources throughout the City and County of Denver, utilize the locator and connect with events and activities near you!
-
Library Services: Students have year-round access to books both online and in person through DPS Library Services. Ensure your student continues building their reading skills by accessing books through libraries such as Sora and LION. Don't see a book in Sora that you want? Fill out the title request form and DPS Library Services will do what they can to purchase it for you — sometimes even that same day!
|
-
Family and Community Engagement (FACE) provides resources and additional opportunities for families and students outside of summer programming. Please note that the Community Hubs are closed over the summer break. Visit the FACE resources page to find community opportunities and offerings over the break.
|
Denver Public Library resources: |
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, Dennison Montessori 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
720-423-2043
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.
|
|
|
|
