The Education and prevention program provides for our school-based and youth programs. They are dedicated to providing programs that have a Native American cultural base which helps our Native youth understand a greater sense of themselves as a young Native person. The programs also focus on coping skills and areas of focus that allow our youth to exercise new skills learned, helping to manage and address the youth struggles of today.
Child Care
Child Care is provided for those who are tending to services in the building for children up to the age of six years old. Children must be signed in by the parent or guardian and are required to notify the caretaker of where they can be contacted within the building in case of emergency. The program provides a safe, pleasant and supervised environment for your child, all here at the Center.
Learning Circle
The Learning Circle is a school based prevention program for Native American children in grades first to the sixth grade. The curriculum used is an ASAP approved program, Too Good for Drugs. This program is offered after school in collaboration with Washington School District at Richard E. Miller Elementary and Mesa School District at Ida Redbird Elementary and Adams Elementary. The program offers a Family Night and Family Field Studies once a month to help families identify their uniqueness and importance within their cultural and urban community. Children build self-esteem and learn the importance of maintaining a strong sense of their Native culture as well as strengthening their connectivity to family. The program's goal is to build a balance that will prevent substance abuse and give the student a strong base with skills to build their future on.
Family Night-learning circle:
* Families are encouraged to participate in the Learning Circle experience by attending an evening of extended information offered to the parents based on the cultural and substance abuse prevention topics the students are learning about. The information is adapted to the Native American experience and presented by Native American speakers if available.
* Families build a sense of community with each other.
* Children learn by the examples of the parents who take a major part in the evening through discussions or dialogue with each other.
* Families also enjoy events such as the Native American Recognition Days parade, the Heard Museum, Native American beading, Pow-Wow and family trips that offer families to visit local points of interest. These activities provide family bonding as well as cultural enrichment.
In School Support Groups - Project Infinity
Project Infinity is a program that is offered at the middle-school, junior-high and high school age groups. It creates a support group atmosphere with Native youth on the campuses it serves, allowing for not only a positive connection with the Native youth but also by providing key information on coping skills and other necessary information and discussion topics that adolescents are dealing with daily.
Adult Education
* Adult Education offers GED classes to young adult from the age of sixteen years old and older.
* The classes offer a chance to learn in a comfortable setting that encourages individual help if needed.
* The student has a chance to learn in an environment that affords him/her the advantage of completing the classes and taking the GED and connecting with the Native Workforce Services if they are Native American. Other students may take advantage of the computer job search that is offered.
L.I.F.E.
* Adult Education offers GED classes to young adult from the age of eighteen years old and older.
* The classes offer a chance to learn in a comfortable setting that encourages individual help if needed.
* The student has a chance to learn in an environment that affords him/her the advantage of completing the classes and taking the GED and connecting with the Native Workforce Services if they are Native American. Other students may take advantage of the computer job search that is offered.
Navajo Language and Culture Program
Spring 2008 Class Registration Form [pdf]
According to the 2000 US Census, there are approximately 55,000 Native Americans living in Maricopa County. In addressing the needs of the Native population in the urban area, the Phoenix Indian Center recognizes the need to play our part in the preservation and retention of native languages and cultures, especially among our urban population. Through the cooperation of the Navajo Nation, we offer Navajo Language and Culture classes at the Phoenix Indian Center. Priority in these classes is given to Navajo tribal members where the classes are free of charge for Dine tribal members and their families. The Phoenix Indian Center is entering into dialogue with other Arizona tribes for collaborative projects on offering their Native language and cultural program at the Center.
Intergenerational Classes (Beginning Level)
WHEN: Monday Evenings 6:00pm to 7:30pm
WHERE: Mesa Public Schools, Student Services Building
1025 N Country Club Dr, Mesa, AZ 85021
WHAT: Class will teach Diné language from a traditional perspective using Diné culture. You will learn the basic alphabet system, numbering system, colors, and many more through the use of activities and audio visuals. This class will be open to all Diné people and their families (birth to elders). Come and enjoy learning the Diné language and hear some of the stories and teachings of our elders. Storytelling will be a part of this class to give insight to Oral Traditions.
Diné Culture Class
WHEN: Wednesday Evenings 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
WHERE: Phoenix Indian Center, 4520 N Central Ave #250, Phoenix, AZ 85012
WHAT: This class will teach the basic fundamentals of Diné culture using the Diné Philosophy. Through the use of visual aides, text books, and presenters, you will gain a better understanding of the Diné culture. This class will be open to all Diné people and their families (birth to elders). Come and enjoy learning about the Diné language and culture. Hear some of the stories and teachings of our elders. Storytelling will be a part of this class to give insight to Oral Traditions.
Adult Language Classes (Intermediate Level)
WHEN: Saturday Mornings 9:00 am to 11:00 am (begins January 19, 2008)
WHERE: Phoenix Indian Center, 4520 N Central Ave #250, Phoenix, AZ 85012
WHAT: There will be a $25 materials fee imposed on this class. The class will be a continuing class to the Beginning Navajo Class, this will be an introduction to speech and writing. These classes are not for credit or Navajo Nation Scholarship purposes.
Navajo Singing Classes
WHEN: Saturday Mornings 11:30 am to 1:30 pm (begins January 19, 2008)
WHERE: Phoenix Indian Center, 4520 N Central Ave #250, Phoenix, AZ 85012
WHAT: There will be a $25 materials fee imposed on this class. Learners will explore various Navajo singing styles and songs sung for different purposes in Diné culture. Learn social songs, patriotic songs, corn grinding songs, and children songs.
Seasonal Stories: Each season the Phoenix Indian Center offers culturally-based storytelling that is open to all community members in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Information on each session will be posted to the Website and information distributed electronically.
