MICHELLE LIRA
American Indian Community / School Liaison
Michelle Lira is passionate about ensuring Native students achieve success through the American Indian Education program .
What challenges or obstacles did you face growing up , and how did you overcome them ?
The greatest challenge I faced was overcoming the stereotypical ideas that people hold about Native Americans . Unfortunately , there ’ s not a big source of Indian community in Fresno , and my tribe had to move here to become self-sufficient . Living in Fresno , away from my homeland , also means being separated from my culture . I had to find a way to resist the effects of colonization and embrace my cultural identity in every environment .
What led you to your current role ?
During my youth , I was often asked to explain my culture and regalia . However , I did not let these demonstrations deter me and instead , I became an advocate for the Indigenous community . As an adult , I spent most of my career at OSA Center for Indian Education , a non-profit organization that serves indigenous youth in Fresno . My work at OSA never felt like a job to me , as I thoroughly enjoy helping my community both financially and academically .
Why are you so passionate about this work ?
I am deeply committed to my work , and this is because my father is a survivor of a residential school . In the past , indigenous youth were forcibly removed from their homes and sent to schools far away to be assimilated into the mainstream culture . During their stay there , they were punished for speaking their Native language , banned from practicing traditional or cultural customs , forced to abandon their traditional clothing , hair , and personal belongings and made to comply with Western norms . Today , as an educator , I am dedicated to ensuring that all indigenous youth have access to a secure environment where they can express their cultural beliefs and have access to all available resources for academic success .
When did the American Indian Education program come to Fresno Unified , and what does it offer students and families ?
Fresno Unified ’ s American Indian Education is a federally funded program that provides academic and student support services for American Indian and Alaska Native students . It has been a program at Fresno
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