Celebrating ute mountain culture

D51 welcomed Tina King Washington as their special guest to culminate their recognition of American Indian Heritage Month at BTK Education Services Building in Grand Junction, Colorado on November 29, 2022.  Tina spent the evening sharing her wisdom and expertise about the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe history and culture.  As a lifelong educator, Tina served 20 years as the Ute Mountain Ute K-12 Director and is currently the President of the Board of the newly opened Kwiyagat Community Academy, Colorado’s first charter school to open on an Indian reservation. KCA is an innovative school that uses Ute language and culture to build a strong foundation through self-identity to ensure success for all of the students.  In addition to her service as the K-12 Director, Tina served the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe for over 15 years as Health Education Coordinator, the Director of Youth Opportunity Program, and the Coordinator for student Support and Served on the Montezuma-Cortez RE-1 School Board. Tina also taught both elementary and middle school in Cortez, Shiprock, and right here in D51 at Fruitvale Elementary. Thank you to everyone at D51 and Tina King Washington for making this event possible.