Saturday, April 16, 2016
8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
San Juan College - Little Theatre
Farmington, NM
Registration: www.navajoprep.com
TOPICS:
Gender, Equality and Education
Environmental Issues and Education
Indigenous Peoples and Education
Poverty and Education
“Indigenous Rights ARE Human Rights”
April is devoted to Educa on. Educa on is the brightest hope for addressing
humanity’s greatest challenges in human equality, poverty, environmental and
indigenous rights. Local ci zens, students and governments were invited to
a end our 2nd Annual Interna onal Conference on Educa on as a Human Right.
Human rights educa on is not taught in schools but it is increasingly gaining
recogni on as a human right in itself. Knowledge of rights and freedoms is a
fundamental tool that young people should learn and understand so that they
know how they should be treated and how they should treat others. Educa on
should encompass values such as non‐discrimina on, respect and tolerance for
human dignity. Be y Ojaye, Execu ve Director, Navajo Preparatory School said,
“this conference will provide engagement and empowerment to address
humanity’s greatest challenges in the areas of educa on, equality, poverty,
environmental and indigenous rights.” The keynote speaker is Zoe Tryon,
Ambassador for Amazon Watch, which protects the rainforest and advancement
for indigenous rights in the Amazon Basin. Among eight panelists are Ethel
Branch, Navajo Na on A orney General, a human rights a orney who prac ced
in Washington, D.C. and helped advance the United Na ons Declara on on the
Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The four corners area is a vital community that supports diversity and
commitment to human equality and dignity. The “Civility First Four Corners,” was
created by the City of Farmington Community Rela ons Commission to promote
public awareness and educa on that focuses on ten character traits to promote
posi ve interac ons, mutual respect, and social harmony. With the conference
theme “Indigenous Rights are Human Rights,” Ms. Ojaye states that “as
Indigenous Peoples, we not only have the most basic human rights of physical
survival and integrity, but also the preserva on of our land, language, religion,
and cultural heritage that are a part of our existence as a people.” She said, “Our
great leader, Chief Manuelito, saw Educa on not only a right but a passport to a
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April 1 6, 2016, Farmington, NM
Welcome
TOMMY ROBERTS On behalf of the City of Farmington I extend
a warm welcome as you convene this
Mayor of City of Farmington important conference.
You have a full day ahead of you – a day
that will provide many opportunities for
discussion, debate, and the exchange of
ideas. At the end of the day, you will leave
with a better understanding and appreciation
of the connective relationship that exists
between the quality of education that is
available to an individual or a group of
people and the quality of life that can be
attained and experienced by that individual
or group. And, hopefully, you will leave
with a clearer vision of the process that must
be undertaken to make that connective
relationship much stronger.
Ya’at’eeh – Our conference theme is
“Indigenous Rights are Human Right.” As
Indigenous Peoples, we not only have the
most basic human rights of physical survival
and integrity, but also the preservation of
our land, language, religion, and cultural
heritage that are a part of our existence as a
people. Our great leader, Chief Manuelito,
saw Education not only a right but a passport
to a better way of life. If used right it opens
doors and expands opportunities and
contributes to fostering peace, equality,
improving health, reducing poverty and
environmental degradation in our nations.
BETTY OJAYE Through this conference we hope young
people will learn the importance of equality
Executive Director and knowing their rights and to understand
Navajo Preparatory School, Inc. how they should be treated and how they
should treat others. We encourage everyone
to explore, discuss, challenge, and form opinions and values through open-mindedness.
Thank you.
Conference Agenda
8:00-8:30 am On-Site Registration
San Juan College Little Theatre
8:30-9:00 am Welcome and Introductions
National Anthem by Radmilla Cody
Tommy Roberts, Mayor of City of Farmington
Betty Ojaye, Executive Director,
9:00-10:15 am Navajo Preparatory School
Bhavani Parpia, President of ConnecTeach
Brad Klein, Assistant Director, SMU, Embrey
Rights Program
Moderator: Brad Klein
Panel Discussion 1
Indigenous Peoples and Education
ARanmInodnigMenoonutasnYo,oAuthWNoerltdwaotrkSchool –
Bhavani Parpia, ConnecTeach
10:30-11:45 am Panel Discussion 2
Environmental Issues and Education
Ethel Branch, Navajo Nation
Stephen B. Etsitty, New World Environmental
11:50-1:15 pm Lunch
Keynote Presentations
Student Video Presentation: ConnecTeach
Keynote: Zoë Tryon, Founder of One of the
1:30-2:45 pm Tribe
Panel Discussion 3
Gender, Equity and Education
3:00-4:15 pm Dr. Jennifer Denetdale, Dine Human Rights
Commission
Radmilla Cody, Anti-Domestic Violence
Activist
4:15 pm
Panel Discussion 4
Poverty and Education
Ceceilia Tso, Ontological Indigenous
Leadership Trainer and Coach
Dr. Amy Merk, ConnecTeach
Closing by Betty Ojaye
Zoë Tryon founded the not-for profit,
One of the Tribe in 2011, which works with
indigenous communities of the Ecuadorian
Amazon to preserve local traditions and
culture. Decades of oil extraction and
millions of gallons of untreated waste
continue to threaten Amazonian ecosystems
and the health of the people.
Zoë’s advocacy career began after attending
‘Be the Change’ environmental and
sustainability conference in London. She was
inspired by the achievements of
ZOË TRYON environmental experts and advocates for
change. Zoë began working for activist and
Activist advocate Lynne Twist at the Pachamama
Founder of One of the Tribe Alliance, an organization that promotes
environmental preservation and empowers
indigenous people. Through this work, Zoë was introduced to the President of the Achuar
indigenous people and in 2006 Zoë traveled to the Ecuadorean Amazon where she lived
with the Achuar to learn about their culture and way of life and taught English to
indigenous leaders.
Zoë has continued to live and work in the Ecuadorean Amazon on and off since 2006 and
leads guided expeditions to remote areas for filmmakers, activists, and celebrities. Zoë
currently serves as an Ambassador for Amazon Watch a leading nonprofit working to
protect the rainforest and advance indigenous rights in the Amazon Basin.
She is a spokesperson and Champion for ClearWater and is a Creative Activist with
Creative Visions foundation.
Many of her photographs have
been used by Amazon Watch and
indigenous organizations and
businesses for publication and she
has also produced and created
short films/pilots in the jungle.
RADMILLA CODY Radmilla Cody is a GRAMMY
Anti-Domestic Violence Activist Nominee, multiple Native American Music
Awards Nominee, international performer,
a former Miss Navajo Nation and the
founder of the “Strong Spirit: Life is
Beautiful not Abusive” campaign which
brings awareness to teen dating
violence. As a survivor of domestic
violence, Radmilla uses her personal
experiences to advocate nationally and
internationally for the importance of
understanding and identifying unhealthy
relationships and recognizing healthy
relationships by incorporating the message
of self-respect, self worth, cultural pride &
identity.
Radmilla is of the Tla’a’schi’i’(Red Bottom
People) clan and is born for the Nahiłii (African-Americans). She is the subject of an
award-winning documentary titled “Hearing Radmilla”, produced and directed by Angela
Webb, which further explores Radmilla’s journey as an activist and performer. Radmilla
has her B.S. in Public Relations with a minor in Sociology and is pursuing her Masters in
Sociology. In 2010, Radmilla was selected for NPR’s “50 Great Voices”, a yearlong
series featuring singers from all over the world. Radmilla was also awarded the “Black
History Makers Award 2012” from Initiative Radio and was selected as the first
Indigenous person to be an awards presenter at the 55th GRAMMY Pre-Telecast Awards
Ceremony.
Besides being an advocate against gender violence and abuse, Radmilla has recently
become very active in addressing issues affecting indigenous people today, such as:
border-town violence, environmental racism and exploitation, LGBTQ rights and
awareness, and settler colonialism.
Ms. Cody is also the co-founder of “For The People”, a grassroots organization that
assists our relatives or communities in need through benefit concerts or “on the ground”
support by providing food and clothing to our unsheltered relatives living on the streets in
border-towns surrounding Dinétah / Navajo Territory.
Bhavani Parpia is the founder and President of
ConnecTeach, an international educational
nonprofit that is committed to breaking the cycle
of poverty by equipping teachers with the skills
needed to give their students a quality education,
and lead in the development of the world’s most
vulnerable communities. ConnecTeach works in
India, Pakistan, Gaza, and Uganda.
BHAVANI PARPIA Prior to committing her time and energy fully to
ConnecTeach, she served as the coordinator of
Founder/President of ConnecTeach Global Initiatives for the Hurst-Euless-Bedford
Independent School District (HEB ISD),
responsible for the Arabic, Chinese, and Hindi
programs. Bhavani has been an educator for over
25 years, beginning her teaching career as a
Montessori teacher, starting the Primary School at
North Hills Preparatory, in Irving, Texas, and then
working as Advanced Academics Coordinator and
Curriculum Director.
She also serves on the board of directors of the Meridian public charter school in Round Rock. In
2011, she led a group of teachers on a Fulbright-Hays project to India as the Curriculum
Development Specialist. In 2013, Bhavani won the World Affairs Council International Educator of
the Year award, and in 2014, was given the Triumph of the Spirit Award by Southern Methodist
University in recognition for her work in
promoting human rights. She is also a recipient of
the Chiapas International Women Who Give
Hope award.
RAMON MONTANO Ramon Montano is a young indigenous
A World at School advocate for human rights and education, he comes
An Indigenous Youth Network from the Kickapoo, Kumeyaay and Pa'Ipai Tribal
Nations and is currently pursuing his B.A. in
Education at National University.
Ramon hopes to be an educator for human rights,
currently he works in a middle school as a
Behavior Specialist and Support Teacher. He is the
Co-Founder of Thinking Indigenous: An
International Indigenous Youth Network,
Ambassador for a World At School and Youth
Advocate for the Global Campaign for Education -
US.
Dr. Brad Klein is a social and environmental
justice educator and activist specializing in
program leadership, curriculum development,
and experiential learning. Klein has taught at the
high school, college and graduate school levels.
Before coming to SMU in 2013, he served as
Coordinator for the Justice and Peace Program
and Adjunct Faculty at the Iliff School of
Theology. Klein has led educational and
economic development projects in the
Dominican Republic, Mexico, and throughout
the United States. He has also participated in
activist efforts related to American Indian
liberation, refugee outreach, restorative justice,
DR. BRAD KLEIN poverty eradication, educational equity, ending
sexual assault and torture, and immigration
Assistant Director of Southern reform. Klein's research has focused on a variety
Methodist University, Embrey Human of topics, including: political ecology; food
Rights Program justice; the pedagogy of privilege; conflict
resolution; cross cultural dialogue, colonialism,
nonviolent activism, the rights of indigenous peoples; and culturally appropriate and sustainable
development.
Klein holds degrees in Religious and Theological Studies from the University of Denver and Iliff
School of Theology (PhD), Peace and Justice Studies (MA) and Pastoral Care and Counseling (MA)
from the University of San Diego and Sociology
and Theology from Marquette University (BA).
He currently serves as Assistant Director of the
Embrey Human Rights Program at SMU in
Dallas, Texas.
DR. JENNIFER DENETDALE Dr. Jennifer Denetdale is a citizen of the
Dine Human Rights Commission Navajo Nation and hails from Tohatchi, New
Mexico. She is an associate professor of
American Studies at the University of New
Mexico. She teaches courses on settler
colonialism and decolonization; Indigenous
feminisms & queer critiques; American
intellectual traditions; and Dine Studies.
Jennifer is the author of Reclaiming Dine'
History: The Legacies of Chief Manuelito and
Juanita (2007), two Navajo histories for young
adults, and numerous articles and essays. She is a
commissioner on the Navajo Nation Human
Rights Commission.
Ceceilia Tso is Navajo/Diné from Farmington,
New Mexico. Her family is from Lukachukai,
Arizona. Grant Writer, Development Coordinator,
Trainer and Life Coach, Ceceilia has worked with
many colleges and tribal entities to strengthen
families and foster support within our
communities.
Previously, she was at San Juan College as
Director of The Resource Network. She has
worked with students over long periods of time to
develop life skills such as Communication,
Leadership and Financial Asset Building. The
curriculum Bridges Out of Poverty, Getting
CECEILIA TSO Ahead, Strengthening Families Program
(a federally register model evidenced based
Ontological Indigenous program) and Ontological Leadership. She has
Leadership Trainer and Coach worked at the University of Utah as a Sponsored
Projects Officer working with Faculty to develop
funding. Prior to that she was at the College of
Education as the Director of the American Indian Teacher Education Collaboration (AITEC), working
with American Indians to become teachers. For over 14 years Ceceilia has works with the
“Strengthening Families Program” as the American Indian Trainer of Trainers/Evaluator. She works
with tribes in Canada and the USA to assist in obtaining funding to implement the SFP Program to
Indigenous communities.
DR. AMY MERK Dr. Amy Merk serves as the Program Director U
Program Director for ConnecTeach, an international educational
at ConnecTeach nonprofit that is committed to breaking the cycle
of poverty by equipping teachers with the skills
needed to give their students a quality education,
and lead in the development of the world’s most
vulnerable communities. ConnecTeach works in
India, Pakistan, Gaza, and Uganda. She has over a
decade of teaching experience in grades K- 12,
including work in Special Education, Language
Arts, Mathematics, and Dyslexia.
In 2008, she was a delegate to the Japan Fulbright
Memorial Fund Teacher Program. In 2011, she
participated in a Fulbright-Hays Group Project in
India to study the UN Millennium Development
Goals. She holds a Ph.D. in Public Administration
from the University of Texas at Arlington and a
Master’s in Sociology from the University of
Houston.
ETHEL BRANCH Ethel Branch is the Attorney General of the
Attorney General, Navajo Nation Navajo Nation. She formerly served as an
Department of Justice attorney at Kanji & Katzen, PLLC, a law firm
solely committed to advocacy on behalf of
Native Nations. There Ethel advised and
represented Native Nations on a variety of
issues, with a focus on restoring tribal natural
resources and shielding tribal revenues.
Previously, Ethel was an indigenous human
rights attorney in Washington, D.C., where she
helped advance the implementation of the U.N.
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
in the United States and the Americas. Ethel also
served as a tribal finance associate assisting
tribes in gaining access to the capital markets
and in leveraging tribal assets to fund the
development of critical capital infrastructure in
Indian country. Ethel is a graduate of Harvard
University, where she earned her B.A. cum laude
in History, her Masters in Public Policy, and her
J.D.
Stephen B. Etsitty served on Arizona
Governor Janet Napolitano’s Climate Change
Advisory Group and NM Governor Bill
Richardson’s Climate Change Advisory Group.
In 2007, he provided testimony to the US
Congress on the need for uranium cleanup on the
Navajo Nation which launched a multi-agency
and multi-year response that continues to this
day. He also served on the Navajo Nation’s team
who negotiated the Navajo Generating Station
Lease Amendments with the owners of the power
plant and helped facilitate the enactment of the
Lease Amendments by the Navajo Nation. As a
result, the Navajo Nation EPA received a $1.02
STEPHEN B. ETSITTY Billion settlement from the Anadarko v. Tronox
litigation that occurred from 2009 to 2014. This
funding will support uranium waste clean-ups on
Director of New World the Navajo Nation. He began his environmental
Environmental, Inc. management career at the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency spending five years in the
USEPA Region 9 San Francisco office, and three years as a National Manager in the USEPA Office of
Solid Waste in Washington, DC. Stephen is now in the private sector, working with a Native-owned
environm ental services company with expertise in remediation and cleanup of hazardous waste sites.
Stephen holds his B.A. from Stanford University (1991).
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