Name: Designing with Relatives: Indigenous Mentorship and the Native Auntie Way of Learning
Start: 2026-07-15T14:45:00-0600
End: 2026-07-15T16:45:00-0600

Designing with Relatives: Indigenous Mentorship and the Native Auntie Way of Learning

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:45pm - 4:45pm MDT

TBA

Many Indigenous educators grow professionally through relationships rather than formal professional development systems. Mentorship from aunties, elders, colleagues, and community members often teaches ways of observing, responding, and caring for others that shape how we approach leadership and learning.

This interactive session begins with a personal story from the facilitator’s upbringing on the Navajo Nation, reflecting on early lessons learned from aunties and elders about observation, responsibility, and relational accountability. These experiences introduce the idea that Indigenous mentorship is a form of professional learning that continues to influence how educators design learning environments today.

Participants will engage in guided reflection to identify the mentors and community members who shaped their own approaches to teaching and leadership. Through collaborative discussion and simple mapping activities, participants will explore how Indigenous values such as relational accountability, observation, and collective responsibility can inform classroom design and professional practice.

Aligned with the principles of Indigenous Genius by Design, this session centers community knowledge, teacher expertise, and relational learning. Participants will leave with practical ideas for incorporating Indigenous mentorship and values into their teaching and professional growth.

Speakers

April Yazza (Diné and A:shiwi)

Doctoral Candidate, University of New Mexico

Yá’át’ééh! My name is April Brannon Yazza. I am of the Red Running into the Water People clan, born for the A:shiwi people, and I am originally from Tsayatoh, New Mexico on the Navajo Nation. Today I serve communities across Albuquerque and Santa Fe.

I am a doctoral candidate in the Native Americans in Educational Leadership program at the University of New Mexico, where our work centers Indigenous pedagogy, community-rooted research, and leadership grounded in cultural values. I am also a proud NACA-Inspired Schools Network... Read More →

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:45pm - 4:45pm MDT
TBA

Breakout Session C

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4th Annual Indigenous Education Symposium

April Yazza (Diné and A:shiwi)

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4th Annual Indigenous Education Symposium

April Yazza (Diné and A:shiwi)

Attendees (2)

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