Native American Education Program

The Native American Education Program (NAEP) in Lebanon began with a small group of Native students and families who wanted to reconnect with their culture and receive support in their educational journey. In 2023, the district approved the development of an official program under the guidance of NAEP District Coordinator Laurie Regalado, a proud member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians.

Since its launch, the program has grown steadily, expanding outreach, increasing enrollment, and offering culturally centered activities, workshops, and field trips. With the support of the school district, tribal partners, and community members, NAEP continues to grow and evolve, creating a safe space where students can learn about and celebrate their Native identity.

NAEP is comprised of students, families, educators, and community members working together to uplift Indigenous voices and culture in Lebanon, Oregon. Led by Laurie Regalado, the Native American / Alaska Native Education Program Coordinator, we aim to promote academic success, cultural identity, and community connection.

Our team believes in honoring our ancestors, empowering our youth, and building a future where Native culture and education go hand-in-hand. We represent many tribes and backgrounds, united by the shared goal of creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all Native students.

The Native American Education Program (NAEP) has students from Tribes represented in Lebanon schools. The program has grown to more than 40 students with a focus on cultural connection, identity, and education. 

Tribes represented by NAEP students and volunteers include:

• Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians (OR) 
• Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde (OR)
• Klamath Tribes (OR)
• Yakama Nation (WA)
• Karuk Tribe (CA)
• Hoopa Valley Tribe (CA)
• North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians (CA)
• Cherokee Nation (OK)
• Choctaw Nation (OK)
• Citizen Potawatomi Nation (OK)
• Osage Nation (OK)
• Ute Indian Tribe (UT)
• Yankton Sioux Tribe (SD)
• Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska (KS/NE)
• Fort Belknap Indian Community (MT)
• Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa (MN)
• Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa (WI)
• Bureau of Indian Affairs Enrollment (CA – unspecified tribe)
• Blackfeet Tribe (MT)

Students who are Native American descendants of enrolled Tribal members may fill out a 506 form to join our program. Contact NAEP District Coordinator Laurie Regalado to request a form. 

In 2017, the Oregon Legislature enacted Senate Bill (SB) 13, now known as Tribal History/Shared History. The law directs the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) to create K-12 Native American Curriculum for inclusion in Oregon public schools and to provide professional development to educators. The law also directs the ODE to provide funds to each of the nine federally recognized tribes in Oregon to create individual place-based curriculum. For years the state has been missing a critical opportunity to fully leverage the strengths, assets, and contributions that our Native American students bring to their communities. The lack of accurate and complete curricula may contribute to the persistent achievement and opportunity gaps between Native American and other students.

Learn more about ODE's American Indian and Alaska Native Education curriculum opportunities here.