In each quarter of the academic year, over the span of a week, the Westwood High School Native American Education Program partners with Salt River Schools and Community Relations to meet with every Salt River student who is enrolled at Westwood. Chris Dinehdeal and Lorena Clashin are the counselors who meet with the students to go over their attendance, grades and transcripts to make sure they are on track to graduate. 

On April 1, Westwood held its Salt River Assembly, where SRPMIC President Martin Harvier, Vice-President Ricardo Leonard, Salt River Board of Education Chair Kyland King and Westwood Principal Christopher Gilmore, along with Bird Singing and Dancing by the River and other dance groups from neighboring tribes, gathered to provide motivation to Salt River students during their last seven weeks of school.

During the assembly, Jaden Bird, Westwood’s Native American Education Program High School Liaison, explained the goals of the program. 

“We are committed to building strong relationships with our Native American families, tribal communities and community partners. We are dedicated to cultivating inclusive and respectful learning environments that promote Native American traditions, cultural values and identity while achieving academic success,” said Bird. He also highlighted the resources available through the Native American Education Program, such as fee assistance and school supplies.

Harvier talked about his journey throughout high school and how he wished that opportunities like Salt River Week had been presented to him. 

“I want to encourage you to try hard and learn as much as you can. When they say education is power, it truly is power to understand what people are talking about at certain levels.” Harvier finished by sharing some encouraging statements with the students. 

“At Westwood, everybody is somebody. Through cultural growth, we create impactful learning experiences that connect our community and prepare us for the opportunities of today and tomorrow,” said Gilmore. Westwood strives to incorporate cultural resilience onto its campus every day. Gilmore also shared, “When we say ‘Everybody is somebody,’ we mean you. That means your identity, your heritage, your language, your family and your community. Those are not things that are set aside when you walk onto our campus.” 

Westwood continues to strive for the betterment of Salt River students and all Native American students. For questions about the Native American Education Program at Westwood, contact Jaden Bird at jebird@mpsaz.org or (480) 472-4606.