NATIVE PATHWAYS PROGRAM

WHO WE ARE...

The Native Pathways Program is a youth empowerment and education initiative brought to you by Texas Native Health.

Supported by the U.S. Department of Education, the Native Pathways Program provides Education Equity and supports Cultural and Community Resiliency for Native American/Alaskan Native Students in Grades K – 12 in Texas. Investing in the future starts with our youth. Our Native Pathways Program is dedicated to providing educational resources, mentorship programs, and extracurricular activities that prepare the next generation for success.

WHAT WE DO...

  • We support students in academics with personally-tailored 1:1 online tutoring and access to online learning apps that are adaptive, science-based, and individualized to the student!
  • We offer students and their families interactive workshops where they can learn about Native American culture, history, and traditions though engaging and hands-on activities. 
  • We take exciting field trips where we explore new places and gain unique experiences that enhance learning and understanding. Our field trips are geared toward STE(A)M (Science Technology Engineering (Arts) & Math). We have been to places such as the Perot Museum, the Caddo Mounds, the Reunion Tower, and many others! (See pictures to the right)
  • We host fun and educational activities for students and their families that promote creativity, critical thinking, and community involvement.
  • We offer other resources relating to education that are tailored to your students specific needs!

OUR LEADERSHIP

Jennifer Tahbonemah, Education Coordinator

Jennifer Tahbonemah, a proud citizen of The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, is the daughter of Margaret Johnson, a Mississippi Choctaw, and Samuel Battiest, Jr., an Oklahoma Choctaw. She proudly declares, "Chahta sia Hoke!" (I am Choctaw!) Jennifer currently serves as the Education Coordinator for Texas Native Health. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Oklahoma City University, a Master of Divinity from Drew University, and a Master of Library Science from Texas Woman's University. Her diverse professional experience includes teaching second graders to read in Lumberton, NC, working with Cheyenne Arapaho youth in Clinton, OK, teaching preschool in Plano, TX, and managing a library branch at the Dallas Public Library.

Olivia Woodward, Cultural Education Coordinator

As the Cultural Education Coordinator for TNH, Olivia Woodward designs and implements programming for Native American youth through the Native Pathways Program and oversees community events. She earned a BA in Theatre with a focus on Stage and Production Management from Southwestern University. Since graduation, Olivia has built a diverse portfolio of event management experience across the entertainment, hospitality, tourism, and city government sectors. A lifelong resident of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, she has been deeply involved in Native American camps, programs, and volunteer work for various Native American organizations and powwows from a young age. As a former Princess of the Hasinai Society of the Caddo Nation, Olivia is dedicated to serving her community. In her free time, she enjoys attending plays, dancing, writing, gardening, and watching movies.

Why Join the program?

  • Connect with other Native American youth.
  • Discover and celebrate your heritage.
  • Gain valuable knowledge and skills in a supportive environment

How to Join: To enroll your child in the Native Pathways Program, please click to button below to register your student or contact us at 214-941-1050.

We look forward to welcoming you and your child to our vibrant community!

eligibility

  1. Resident of Texas
  2. Enrolled Member of a Federal or State-Recognized Native American Tribe
  3. In Grades K-12
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