Dr. Tarajean Yazzie-Mintz (Diné) named 2020 Brock International Prize in Education Laureate
Monday, November 25, 2019
Dr. Tarajean Yazzie-Mintz (Diné), former vice president for program initiatives at the American Indian College Fund in Denver, Colorado, has been named the 2020 Brock Prize in Education Innovation Laureate for her leadership and vision in the field of education.
Her oversight of Wakanyeja, “Sacred Little Ones,” Early Childhood Education Initiative has positively impacted the lives of more than 4,000 children, 3,000 families and 1,200 teachers in Indigenous communities. This initiative emphasizes the sacredness of children within Indigenous communities and works to ensure that those who educate and care for them are trained and supported in ways that honor and respect cultural, social and emotional needs.
“We are extremely honored that Dr. Yazzie-Mintz is our 2020 Laureate,” said Brock Prize founder, John A. Brock. “Her work in Indigenous education is both innovating and far-reaching, and its impact will continue to grow over time.”
Yazzie-Mintz was selected among nine prestigious nominees by a panel of nine jurors who convened in October to determine this year’s laureate.
“Tarajean has a brilliant mind and a generous heart,” said Dr. Susan C. Faircloth, professor and director of the School of Education at Colorado State University. “She approaches her work in Indigenous and early childhood education with grace, humility and humor. This award is a testament to the positive impact she has and continues to have on Indigenous peoples and communities across this nation.”
Yazzie-Mintz will be the featured speaker at the Brock Prize Symposium this spring in Norman, Oklahoma. In addition to being formally honored, she will receive a monetary award of $40,000 and a vellum certificate denoting the honor and a sculpture of legendary Native American educator Sequoyah.
“The Brock Prize presents a vital opportunity for us to celebrate what can be achieved across Indian Country,” said Yazzie-Mintz. “With those who work from within Indigenous communities, I celebrate the entire journey – from incubation of our ideas, our ambitious dreams, to our first steps in making change happen, to mapping out our next system in the life-long work of transforming our communities to be strong, culturally grounded and vibrant. I am thankful for the opportunity to share what powerful change looks like, from our littlest ones to our elders – and I am inspired by the hope that we will continue to walk forward, one step at a time.”
The Brock Prize, currently in its 19th year, has been awarded to many giants in education whose ideas have transformed the landscape of modern education. It is the chief objective of the prize to highlight these ideas to the broader education community, and in doing so, magnify the impact they can have around the world.
MEDIA CONTACT: Rachel Eng |405-744-8320 |rachel.eng@okstate.edu