Indigenous Voices In American History With Shelly Lowe

What's Your Why?

Did you know that the first Native American to chair the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) grew up on a Navajo reservation in Arizona and faced tremendous challenges on her journey to higher education? Her story will inspire you. Discover how she is promoting indigenous knowledge and cultural inclusivity in education at a national level to make a difference.

The National Endowment for the Humanities has a bold new vision focused on expanding its reach and funding organizations it hasn't supported in the past. This drive towards Native American education comes at a pivotal moment. With new grant programs tailored for smaller groups and key partnerships, the NEH seeks to elevate overlooked stories and communities.

My special guests are:

Shelly Lowe, Chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities. She is a citizen of the Navajo Nation and grew up on the Navajo Reservation in Ganado, Arizona. From 2015 to 2022 she served as a member of the National Council on the Humanities, the 26-member advisory body to NEH, an appointment she received from President Obama. Lowe’s career in higher education has included roles as Executive Director of the Harvard University Native American Program, Assistant Dean in the Yale College Dean’s Office, and Director of the Native American Cultural Center at Yale University.

Shawn Reese, Executive Director of Wyoming Humanities, with a deep-rooted commitment to promoting cultural diversity and inclusivity in education. Shawn's passion for the organization's mission is palpable. His dedication to fostering the significance of integrating indigenous perspectives into educational curricula, shedding light on the transformative impact it can have on students and the broader community.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Explore the transformative impact of Native American experiences in education, gaining valuable insights into cultural diversity and inclusion.

• Discover the profound influence of storytelling on community building, unlocking the power of oral tradition and indigenous wisdom.

• Uncover the pivotal role of humanities in fostering empathy and understanding in diverse communities.

• Engage in enhancing civil discourse through living room conversations, cultivating respectful dialogue and meaningful connections.

• Embrace the significance of promoting indigenous knowledge in education cultural awareness in curriculum.

Uncover the role of Humanities

1. Uncovering the vital role of humanities in promoting indigenous knowledge highlights the importance of incorporating diverse voices and narratives in educational curricula.

2. Understanding the role of humanities in fostering cultural understanding and awareness can lead to more informed and empathetic educational practices.

3. By uncovering the role of humanities in promoting diversity, educational policymakers can work towards creating a more equitable and culturally responsive education system.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Visit Thinkwy.org to learn more about Wyoming Humanities and their initiatives such as Native Narratives

• Subscribe to the What's Your Why and Winds of Change podcasts to stay updated on the storytelling importance of people, places and history.

• Explore the Living Room Conversations to learn about facilitating civil conversations and discussions on challenging topics.

• Consider participating in the United We Stand program to combat hate-motivated violence and promote understanding and openness in communities.

Follow Us On These Channels:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/emydigrappa/

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• https://www.instagram.com/storiesaboutwhy

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