American Indian Education
Springfield's Title VII Indian Education program serves Alaska Native and American Indian youth and their families.
We offer learning, leadership and cultural activities that engage Native youth and support a positive cultural identity.
We provide culturally appropriate educational support to Native students, and support higher education and meaningful careers.
We act as a liaison for Native students and families, and support Native families’ involvement in students’ education.
It is the mission of the Springfield Office of Indian Education to treat every student and family as important in the creation of an inter-tribal community that works together in the best interest of our children.
Utilizing a federal Title IV grant, the Springfield Public Schools Office of Indian Education has implemented several goals to achieve, which include:
- Building partnerships with Native organizations and volunteers to offer tutoring and credit recovery
- Activities to increase student engagement
- Family involvement activities and events
Specific activities include:
- tutoring and mentoring
- creation of a Native American Student Union
- family craft nights
In addition to these goals, the intent is to help educate the mainstream population about the diverse Native cultures.
Chifin Native Youth Center
Springfield's Native Youth Center was completed in spring 2014, thanks to a grant from the Oregon Community Foundation through the Springfield Education Foundation, along with an outpouring of support and generous donations from community members and organizations.
The center, with an office, full kitchen and bath, along with plenty of shelves and storage place, is located in an unused corner of Two Rivers–Dos Ríos Elementary School. Students, parents and program staff collaborated with architects to make their vision of the Native Youth Center a reality.
Thanks to skilled and loving renovation from the district's own maintenance staff, the light and bright space is actively being used as a central meeting location by families in the district's Indian Education Program for studying, gathering, drumming, crafts and honor meals.
In November of 2014, the center was renamed the Chifin Native Youth Center, after the tribe of Kalapuya Indians who used to reside at the confluence of the McKenzie and Willamette rivers.
For more information visit the Chifin Native Youth Center, 1084 G Street, Springfield, OR 97477 or call (541) 726-4301