Theorizing Community and School Partnerships with Diné Youth

Authors

  • Hollie Anderson Kulago

Abstract

In this paper, the author describes how four Diné youth participants defined community and theorized about the types of community and school partnerships that could effectively support the youth academically and holistically. By researching through an indigenous methodology and theorizing through a Diné framework the author discussed the participants’ needs holistically through an inherent system of relationships that make up the Diné philosophy of community, k’é. K’é is the Diné concept of recognizing and maintaining harmonious relationships and all the positive virtues that should be inherent within a family. In the process, the author retheorized community and school partnerships and worked to contribute to the process of self-determination and self-education of the Navajo Nation.

Author Biography

Hollie Anderson Kulago

Hollie Anderson Kulago is an assistant professor of childhood education at Elmira College. She is Diné and grew up in the communities of Sawmill, Fort Defiance and Window Rock, AZ. Her clans are Tsénahabíłníí born for Haashdl’ishníí. She taught 5th grade and coached high school athletics in Window Rock, AZ before earning her Ph.D.

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Published

2013-01-17