Description

The Indigenous Perspectives for Global Educators Program is a professional development opportunity designed for educators at community colleges and universities involved in global education and international affairs. Participants will enhance their intercultural and leadership skills by learning to integrate Indigenous perspectives and practices, particularly those from the U.S. Southwest, into their teaching and engagement strategies.

This highly experiential program will take place at the San Xavier District, located on traditional Tohono O'odham lands just south of Tucson. Participants will be guided by experienced educators from the Tohono O'odham, Diné (Navajo), and Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nations. Activities will include lectures, discussions, artistic expression, traditional Tohono O'odham foods and meals, as well as a visit to Hickdan Park to deepen understanding about landscape and cultural identity.

The program is organized by CCID in partnership with Tohono O'odham Community College and the San Xavier Co-op Farm. Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion upon finishing the program. Additionally, they will receive a special invitation and discount for the CCID Annual Conference, taking place in Tucson, AZ, from February 27 to March 2, 2026.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to expand your experience and knowledge!

Learning Outcomes:

• Interact with Tohono O’odham and other Tribal Nation’s art, language, food, and customs.
• Engage in place-based and experiential (learning) education that emphasizes respect, reciprocity, relationship, relevance, and responsibility within a community whose identity is informed and created by the landscape upon which they live.
• Develop resources and strategies to strengthen international programs, curricula, and student support through the lens of Indigenous perspectives.
• Enhance global leadership skills by acknowledging diverse knowledge systems and their value orientations.

Registration Deadlines:

• December 1, 2025 (Early Bird)
• February 1, 2026 (Regular)

Facilitators:

• Mona Scott Figueroa, Ed.D., American Indian Studies and Sociology, Mesa Community College
• Mona Tolley Nez, M.Ed., Lead Indigenous Advisor and Indigenization Process Designer, University of Ottawa 
• Reva Mariah ShieldChief, Ph.D., Tohono O’odham Studies Director, Tohono O’odham Community College

What’s Included:

• Teaching & Instruction
• Lunch (3 days, February 23-25, 2026)
• Excursion
• Certificate of Completion
• Discounted registration fee for CCID's 50^th Annual Conference ($500)

What’s Not Included:

• Hotel
• Flight
• Breakfast & Dinner

Recommended Hotels:

• Desert Diamond Hotel (CCID room block. Includes ground transport to/from site/hotel.) 

Minimum Enrollment: 10 

Maximum Enrollment: 25