Meaningful Consultation on Indian Education

Improving outcomes for Native American students requires authentic relationships built on trust, respect, shared responsibility, and sustained collaboration. This first gathering in the Meaningful Consultation Series brings together school and district leaders, Tribal leaders, Indian Education Centers, Native-serving organizations, and youth programs from Humboldt and Del Norte Counties to begin building lasting partnerships centered on the success and well-being of Native students. Participants will engage in facilitated introductions, explore regional data related to Native American student achievement and attendance, hear testimonials from students and community members, and develop a shared understanding of both the opportunities and challenges facing Native youth today. The session will also provide an overview of educational systems, funding structures, and programs that can support culturally sustaining partnerships, including Local Control and Accountability Plans (LCAPs), School Plans for Student Achievement (SPSAs), Tribal education funding opportunities, Native language revitalization, the California Native American Studies Model Curriculum, Expanded Learning Opportunities Programs (ELOP), Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and other culturally sustaining initiatives in the area. Participants will examine promising partnership models from across California and begin identifying opportunities to strengthen collaboration within their own communities. Together, this session serves as the foundation for a three-part series designed to move beyond consultation toward meaningful, reciprocal partnerships that honor Tribal sovereignty, strengthen relationships between Tribal communities and public education, and create sustainable systems that improve educational outcomes, belonging, and opportunities for Native American students. For additional information contact Sharrone Blanck, Learning Specialist for Equity and Inclusion sblanck@hcoe.org or Maggie Peters, Learning Specialist for the Native American Studies MPeters@HCOE.org. Session 1: From Consultation to Collaboration: Building Relationships, Growing Partnerships Thursday September 3, 2026 8:30am to 3pm Session 2: Building Sustainable Partnerships Through Policy, Practice, and Shared Leadership Thursday, January 14, 2027 8:30am to 3pm Session 3: Sustaining Partnerships Through Community Voice, Shared Accountability, and Continuous Improvement Thursday, April 1, 2027 8:30am to 3pm Registration will open soon!