Chapter 4: Community Inspired Approaches to Indigenous Education in New Mexico

In 2004, the Institute for American Indian Education (IAIE) was created in response to New Mexico’s overwhelming need to improve American Indian student retention and achievement in schools. The formation of the institute was led by College of Education faculty Mary Jiron Belgarde (Isleta), Greg Cajete (Santa Clara), Anne Calhoon (Cherokee), Joy Griffin (Blackfeet), Glenabah Martinez (Taos/Diné), Anita Bradley Pfeiffer (Diné), Christine Sims (Acoma), and Joseph Suina (Cochiti) who served as the first director of IAIE. The institute was built upon the scholarship, professional experience, and firsthand knowledge of the eight Native American faculty members in the College of Education.