Farewell Statement from Diana Cournoyer
In service to NIEA over the last 10 years, I have had the privilege of a front row seat to observing the power of tribal sovereignty driving the advancement of Native education. While serving as the Executive Director for the last five years, I have witnessed Tribally controlled schools integrate Native curriculum into daily lessons and been a part of changing the landscape of local, state, and national policy, while designing and supporting the future of Native education programming.
In our collective work, we have changed history and created a space for Native students to grow and thrive in modern American society like never before. This paradigm shift was created because of you – our relatives and our community – that I had the confidence to lead through your example and humility to serve the greater goal of education sovereignty for our Native students.
As my time at NIEA comes to an end, I want to thank you all for welcoming me into your communities, trusting me with your stories, and allowing me to be your advocate and partner. I encourage each and every one of you to continue the fight for Native education, be bold, do the hard things, and declare change. Serving you has been one of the greatest honors of my life - thank you for letting me be a part of this ongoing story. I look forward to watching the change you will all create together as part of this as I walk alongside you in my next chapter to continue to advance a more wholistic and sustainable systems of learning for all children.
Wopila.
National Indian Education Association Bids Farewell to Executive Director Diana Cournoyer