This fall, Clackamas ESD is proud to launch the Clackamas Native American Student Consortium, a new initiative designed to support Native American and Alaska Native students across the county. With the guidance and support of families, students and community partners, the consortium will provide opportunities for students to stay connected to their cultural heritage while also thriving academically.
The Clackamas Native American Student Consortium parent and family committee has helped set the consortium’s focus for the first two years. Together, we will work to expand opportunities for cultural knowledge, identity and awareness; increase student engagement and attendance by building visibility and belonging in schools; and create pathways that support more Native American and Alaska Native students in pursuing college.
Exciting opportunities are already planned for the 2025–2026 school year. Students and families can look forward to the launch of an Indigenous foods and native plants garden, an Indigenous Games Day and community events such as “Bingo for Books,” which will showcase Native American authors. Traditional beading workshops, graduation regalia making and spring move-up ceremonies will also provide meaningful ways to celebrate culture and achievement. In addition, a family workshop will help guide students and caregivers through the college application process, while Clackamas County classrooms will be enriched with books written by Native American authors.
Leading the consortium will be a new Clackamas ESD team member, Cheryl Shane. This September, Cheryl joined Clackamas ESD as the Native American student success and engagement specialist. Cheryl previously served in the North Clackamas School District in a similar role and has been working with Clackamas ESD as a consultant throughout the Federal Title VI Indian Education Grant grant application process, which Clackamas ESD successfully secured to fund the consortium. She brings extensive experience, deep cultural knowledge, and a passion for supporting students.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue this work as it grows across Clackamas County and creates more opportunities for Native students to feel seen, supported and connected,” Cheryl Shane remarks.
The Clackamas Native American Student Consortium is an exciting step forward in ensuring students have the cultural and academic support they need to succeed. We are grateful to all who have contributed to its launch and look forward to the opportunities it will create for students and families across Clackamas County.
