The One-on-One Mentoring Program is specifically designed to support non-Native school leaders serving in predominantly Native schools, providing them with the guidance and expertise needed to navigate the complexities of their roles effectively. This program pairs participants with seasoned mentors who have extensive experience in Indigenous education and a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities present in these environments.

Benefits of Mentorship

Having a mentor with years of experience in predominantly Native schools offers numerous advantages, including:

• Personalized Guidance: Mentors provide tailored support, helping leaders to develop their individual leadership styles while respecting and integrating Indigenous values and perspectives.

• Cultural Competence: Experienced mentors are well-versed in cultural nuances, enabling them to advise mentees on fostering authentic relationships with Native communities and stakeholders.

• Strategic Insight: Mentors share invaluable insights into effective practices, strategies, and frameworks that have proven successful in similar educational contexts, ensuring that leaders feel supported and empowered.

Utilizing the Leadership Framework

The mentor will employ a structured leadership framework that emphasizes the five core pillars essential for effective leadership in predominantly Native schools:

1. Embracing Native Educational Sovereignty

2. Decolonized Leadership Practices

3. Prioritizing Indigenous Knowledge in Leadership Practices

4. Using Culturally Affirming Leadership Practices

5. Facilitating Authentic Collaboration with Native Stakeholders

Through regular one-on-one sessions, the mentor will guide the school leader in exemplifying these tenets, helping them to create a more sustainable leadership structure that honors Native culture and promotes inclusivity.

Tools and Strategies for Support

To ensure a meaningful mentoring experience, the mentor will utilize a variety of tools and strategies, including:

• Reflective Practice: Encouraging the mentee to engage in self-reflection, allowing them to assess their leadership approaches and identify areas for growth.

• Goal Setting: Assisting the mentee in setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals that align with the leadership framework and the needs of their school community.

• Resource Sharing: Providing access to a wealth of resources, including articles, research studies, and best practices related to Indigenous education, leadership, and community engagement.

• Collaborative Problem Solving: Facilitating discussions around challenges the mentee faces, employing a collaborative approach to develop innovative solutions rooted in culturally responsive practices.

• Feedback and Accountability: Offering constructive feedback on leadership initiatives, while holding the mentee accountable for their actions and commitments, fostering a sense of responsibility and growth.

By participating in this mentoring program, non-Native school leaders will gain the confidence and skills necessary to lead effectively in predominantly Native schools. This transformative experience will not only enhance their leadership capabilities but also contribute to the overall success and sustainability of their educational institutions, ultimately benefiting Native students and communities.