The Teacher's Forum

Voices of Change: Dr. RoseMary Clairmont and Jonathan Santos Silva on Reclaiming Indigenous Education

David Harris Season 3 Episode 2

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In this episode of The Teacher’s Forum, David sits down with Jonathan Santos Silva and Dr. RoseMary Clairmont to explore the revitalization of Native education. From Dr. Clairmont's journey from the classroom to tribal leadership (04:12) to Jonathan's powerful origin story beginning with a library card (07:31), they reveal the ongoing presence and resilience of Native communities (11:42). The discussion addresses the fight against erasure in education (15:15), the complexities of public, tribal, and BIE school systems (27:16), and how a community response to slashed tires sparked educational change (33:45). They highlight innovative programs centering students and culture (40:45) and the integration of NASA's star knowledge in redefining success (43:06). The episode concludes with reflections on the dark origins of Native education (52:38) and a vision for a new educational future (01:03:16).

To learn more about The Liber Institute visit their website at https://www.theliberinstitute.org/

Resources:

National Indian Education Association

An Indigenous People's History of the United States

Brené Brown Books

Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

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