As the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) American Indian Education Program (AIEP) relaunches, this session addresses a critical district-wide priority: identifying eligible Native students and connecting them with supplemental culturally responsive services.
Many educators serve Indigenous youth without realizing it due to multiracial identities and systemic invisibility. This presentation equips professionals with actionable best practices to shift mindsets, adopt respectful terminology, and understand the legal foundation of tribal sovereignty. Participants will also explore the historical legacy of the Indian Relocation Act that established Chicago’s vibrant urban Native community, gaining essential strategies to cultivate inclusive, supportive educational environments across all schools.