Validation = success

Heritage key to education for Natives

Native survival, success depends on cultural heritageAlaska Native students tend to complete high school, enter college and finish degrees at lower rates than their counterparts because their cultural heritage and very identity is missing from Alaska education systems, leaders in Alaska Native education say.

“They don’t want to be a part of education as much because it doesn’t validate them,” Anchorage School District board member Mary Marks said.