From Erasure to Empowerment: Centering Indigenous Voices

This workshop invites educators, leaders, and community members to confront the historical and ongoing erasure of Indigenous peoples —and to actively participate in building something better. Grounded in truth-telling and responsibility, participants will examine how colonial narratives have shaped curriculum, policy, and classroom practice, often silencing or misrepresenting Indigenous voices.

Moving beyond awareness, this session focuses on actionable change. Participants will explore what it truly means to center Indigenous knowledge, perspectives, and communities in meaningful, respectful, and accurate ways. Through guided reflection, real-world examples, and collaborative discussion, the workshop offers practical strategies for integrating Indigenous content across subject areas, strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities, and approaching this work with accountability rather than tokenism.

Designed for both those just beginning and those deepening their practice, this workshop creates space for honest dialogue, learning, and growth. Attendees will leave with tools, resources, and a clearer understanding of their role in advancing educational equity—shifting from systems of erasure toward spaces of empowerment where Indigenous students, histories, and futures are fully seen, valued, and sustained.

About the Instructor:

Donna Chrisjohn proudly identifies as a citizen of the Sicangu Lakota Nation and a descendant of the Dine Nation. She is a Denver, Colorado native and a devoted mother of five children. With over 25 years of legal expertise spanning private, public, and tribal law, Donna has demonstrated her commitment to the legal profession.

In addition to her legal career, Donna is an accomplished Diversity and Inclusion consultant and presenter. Her dedication to making a positive impact is further evident through her active engagement in the Native community, both at the local and national levels. She generously volunteers her time and plays vital roles in multiple organizations.

Donna's impressive affiliations include service as the former Co-Chair of the Denver American Indian Commission, the Chinook Fund's Board of Directors, and the Board of Directors for People of the Sacred Land.

Education is more than a mere interest for Donna; it's her life's purpose. As an Indigenous Education Consultant, she has passionately conveyed the Indigenous perspective to schools and organizations for an astounding 46 years. Donna's commitment to promoting understanding and respect for Indigenous cultures is exemplified by her teaching of an immersion course titled ""Indigenous Voices,"" which she offers each semester.