Native American students in Denver Public Schools deserve culturally responsive approaches and practices to support academic success and overall well-being. Native American Culture and Education (NACE) supports around 500 Native American/Alaska Native students in Denver Public Schools, many of whom experience two worlds in their day-to-day lives as they navigate the Denver community but still have a strong cultural identity with their tribal Nations.

Recognizing DPS commitments to “Know Justice, Know Peace,” we, the DPS educational community, place our minds and bodies in this space while acknowledging Indigenous relatives who have lived in and cared for this ancient Land from time immemorial. We acknowledge the close relationship that Arapahoe, Cheyenne, Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute and Natives of other tribal Nations continue to have with the waters, plants, and all moving things that call this Land home. We pledge our respect for those enduring Indigenous connections to the place we now call Colorado.

-G. Tinker, PhD Osage Nation

Native representation is critical to building a culturally competent curriculum that promotes equity and inclusion for all students. Our Native American/Alaska Native students need to see themselves and their history in their educational journey. NACE develops training and resources to support schools in teaching American Indian history, culture and strategies for teaching Native students.

We are dedicated to creating space and amplifying the voices of our Native students and families in DPS. NACE supports our Native American/Alaska Native students through advocacy within schools and for individual students and families, as well as sponsorship of Native student organizations. We build partnerships within the community to co-sponsor activities, including Native cultural events, to improve equity for our Native American/Alaska Native students and help Every Child Succeed.

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• August 2020

All students enrolled in the Native American Culture and Education program must complete a Department of Education 506 form. This form is one of the ways we identify students and receive funding for our program. If you’re not sure if your student has a 506 Form on file, feel free to give us a call at 720-423-2042 and we’ll let you know.  506 forms can be mailed to: 

Native American Student Support Program | 1860 Lincoln St., 8th Fl | Denver, CO 80203 or Email to Rose Marie McGuir.