Embracing Culturally Affirming Leadership Practices
A foundational commitment for non-Native school leaders is to embrace Culturally Affirming Practices. By prioritizing culturally affirming practices, leaders ensure that the curriculum reflects the histories, cultures, and perspectives of Native Peoples. This involves incorporating Native languages, traditions, and knowledge systems into the classroom while challenging stereotypes and biases perpetuating colonial narratives.
When I arrived in Alaska as a school principal, I was enthusiastic and determined to lead differently. Having experienced ineffective leadership as a teacher, I wanted to be responsive, supportive, and lead rather than just manage. However, despite my thorough preparations, I encountered significant resistance from staff, students, and community members, leaving me needing clarification. It was only later that I realized where I had gone wrong.
Reflecting on my experience, I recognized the importance of culturally affirming leadership in predominantly Native schools. In my subsequent assignment, I sought guidance from a longtime staff member—a Native woman who served as a cultural teacher. She candidly shared her insights and pointed out the cultural landmines present in my plan. Her mentorship helped me understand the power and impact of culturally affirming leadership on the school and community.
Over six years in the district, I used my leadership position to expand cultural programming from kindergarten to twelfth grade. We introduced a mandatory Alaska Literature course, developed an Alaska History course incorporating local community history and tribal governance, and collaborated with the cultural team to create Native Language courses for freshmen and sophomores. As we embraced the cultural heritage of our community, a remarkable transformation occurred. The community became more optimistic about our school, leading to improvements in attendance, student achievement, and graduation rates.
Ultimately, my experience taught me the vital role of culturally affirming practices in fostering success in predominantly Native schools. By embracing and integrating Native cultures and perspectives into the educational experience, non-Native school leaders can create an inclusive and empowering environment that positively impacts students, staff, and the broader community.
