American Indian Education Program

The American Indian Education Program(AIEP) provides services to support the unique educational and cultural needs of American Indian and Alaska Native students, ensuring they meet academic standards and gain knowledge of their heritage, while also providing culturally appropriate instruction and support for teachers and staff. 

Requirements to join the American Indian Education Program:

• Must be enrolled in a Dallas ISD school.
• Must be a member or direct descendant of a federally or state recognized tribe.
  • Proof: CDIB or membership number of student, parent, or grandparent required
• Must have completed a 506 form and turned into Tana Takes Horse.

Proposed Programming:

• Monthly Reading group: Students will read works by American Indian authors to increase their knowledge of different tribes and increase their confidence in Native identity.
• Model UN: Sixth grade Native students will create a presentation about a tribe of their choosing, then present over that tribe as a group at the district Model UN event.
• Native College Fair: High school students will learn about applying and financing college, as well as, managing finances whether they attend college or not. Students will also have an opportunity to speak with colleges and universities with native communities, whether that be tribal colleges or universities with thriving N.A.S.A.(Native American Student Association) programs.
• IIA Pow-wow Field Trip: Students will gain a deep understanding of Native American culture and traditions, including a sense of community, connection to their heritage, appreciation for diverse art forms like dance and music, and an understanding of cultural protocols and respect through the experience of a celebratory gathering.
• Graduation Stoles: The stoles are symbolic of their Native identity. By wearing them at graduation, graduating seniors are promoting cultural awareness and resiliency, while also gaining confidence in their own Native identity.
• Cultural Camp: Students will be learning the political, economic, geographic, and social aspect of the following tribal regions: Northwest Coastal, California, Plateau, Great Basin, Southwest, Plains, Northeast, and Southeast. They will be creating houses each day to go with the region or regions they are learning about. They will also be creating works of art from each region. Dancing, music, and storytelling will take place in the afternoon. Finally on the last day the students will visit a  Native cultural museum.