December 30, 2025
Honoring Culture, Community, and Native Excellence
Through our partnership with Native Education, we have the honor of participating in a celebration that uplifts Native students for who they are and the values they live every day.
Each year, Native Education recognizes students through the Native Excellence Awards, honoring those who embody the Seven Grandfather Teachings: Wisdom (Beaver), Love (Eagle), Respect (Buffalo), Bravery or Courage (Bear), Honesty (Raven or Sabe), Humility (Wolf), and Truth (Turtle). Teachers nominate students who consistently demonstrate these teachings in their classrooms, schools, and communities.
In 2025, we were deeply honored to celebrate one of our program girls from Holmes Elementary, as well as two siblings of youth in our program from Grant and Stevens Elementary Schools, who were selected for this meaningful recognition. Seeing these young people honored alongside their peers was a powerful moment of pride for their families, mentors, and school communities.
Too often, youth and families are defined by the challenges they face. That evening, they were recognized for their strengths, leadership, and values. It was a moment of belonging and affirmation. When youth are culturally connected and uplifted by their community, they begin to see themselves as we do, full of promise, resilience, and potential to thrive.
We are grateful for our partnership with Native Education and for the opportunity to stand alongside our school partners in celebrating Native excellence, honoring culture, and ensuring our youth feel seen, valued, and supported.
