Native American Education Program
Aanii, Biindigen (Greetings, Welcome)
Grand Rapids Public Schools is proud to offer the only Native American Education Program (NAEP) in West Michigan.
Our mission: To support our Native American scholars in successful academic achievement while preserving and respecting the whole person through culturally relevant activities.
Our Vision: Gakina agegoo ji-ni-minoowazhiwebag, A balanced and productive future.
Eligibility: We serve all native American scholars regardless of quantum and/or tribal members.
Serving the Native American Community
NAEP is a federally funded program throughout the United States Government known as Title VI. Through the collection of Indian Student Eligibility (ED 506) forms for the Title VI Indian Education Formula Grant Program, we are able to serve over 170 scholars from 29 tribes across turtle island. Tribal Representatives provide consultation that supports the development of credible programming, curriculum, and resources for participating scholars. We actively engage with the Native American community through program events and initiatives that will provide scholars with a balanced and productive future.
NAEP Activities & Initiatives
We believe "it takes a village to raise a child." Help support our program and serve our Native American scholars.
- Volunteer
- Become a Tutor
- Joining our NAEP Parent Committee
- Donate goods, services or monetary resources
Academic Support
Native American Support Coordinators serve as a liaison and academic resource for Native American scholars to help increase graduation rates by:
- Encouraging to participate in afterschool programs, academic clubs, or athletics, which are proven to support academic achievement
- Encouraging good learning habits
- Acknowledging good grades and good behavioral habits with positive reinforcement
- Facilitating personal goal setting
- Meeting with Native American scholars regularly to monitor their progress
- Working collaboratively with scholars, families, teachers, advocates, and principals
- Assisting scholars with the transition from elementary into middle school and middle school into high school.
Anishinaabe Cultural Awareness Program
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
The afterschool program provides cultural education, tutoring, and homework help to scholars in grades K-12. All scholars are welcome, however we need every parent/guardian to fill out a consent form in order to attend these classes.
Classes are held at Straight School (850 Chatham NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504).
If you would like to volunteer, please fill out our Volunteer Application.
View all upcoming classes in the NAEP calendar.
Ewaayanaan Bimaadiziwin E Nagamo Jig Circle of Life Singer
Youth Drumming
For young scholars in Kindergarten through 12th grade to learn and PracticeSongs, Drum Skills, Aanishinaabeg Drum Protocols, and Traditional Roleswithin the Circle.
Anish Pii (When): Thursdays
Time: 5:00 pm—6:00 pm
Abish Gwodjim (Where): Native American Education Program (850 Chatham NWGrand Rapids, MI 49504)
View all upcoming classes in the NAEP calendar.
Ke bodwewadmimomen Let's Speak Potawatomi with Mashen
Scholars, families and community members are strongly encouraged to join the Native American Education Program for Ke bodwewadmimomen Let's Speak Potawatomi with Mashen.
Time: 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Where: Class will be held in person at the address below. Native American Education Program (850 Chatham NW Grand Rapids, Ml 49504)
View all upcoming classes in the NAEP calendar.
Pow Wow Meetings
Maampi-E-Oujiijig Anishinaabe Binoojiinyag (Indian Children who Originate from Here). Native American students who attend the afterschool program have an opportunity to make regalia and dance in the annual spring Pow Wow.
Meetings will be held at Straight School Native American Education Program, Room 101B (850 Chatham NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504).
Time: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Contact Us
Native American Education Program
Call 616-819-3318
Upcoming Events
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25 Mar
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Anishinaabe Cultural Awareness Program 4:00 PM to 7:00 PMAnishinaabe Cultural Awareness ProgramDate: Mar 25Time: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PMLocation: Native American Education Program GRPS, 850 Chatham St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, USACalendar: NAEP CalendarPrograms are available for GRPS scholars kindergarten through 12th grade. A parent/guardian must fill out a consent form in order for scholar to attend.
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27 Mar
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Anishinaabe Cultural Awareness Program 4:00 PM to 7:00 PMAnishinaabe Cultural Awareness ProgramDate: Mar 27Time: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PMLocation: Native American Education Program GRPS, 850 Chatham St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, USACalendar: NAEP CalendarPrograms are available for GRPS scholars kindergarten through 12th grade. A parent/guardian must fill out a consent form in order for scholar to attend.
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17 Apr
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Circle of Life Singer 5:00 PM to 6:00 PMCircle of Life SingerDate: Apr 17Time: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PMLocation: Native American Education Program GRPS, 850 Chatham St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, USACalendar: NAEP CalendarEwaayanaan Bimaadiziwin E Nagamo Jig For young scholars in Kindergarten through 12th grade to learn and Practice Songs, Drum Skills, Aanishinaabeg Drum Protocols, and Traditional Roles within the Circle. Youth Drumming
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6 May
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NAEP Parent Meeting 5:00 PM to 6:00 PMNAEP Parent MeetingDate: May 6Time: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PMLocation: Native American Education Program GRPS, 850 Chatham St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, USACalendar: NAEP CalendarParents, Grandparents, and Community Members of GRPS Native American scholars are welcome and encouraged to attend to give their input on educational and cultural relevant activities.
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