From Erasure to Empowerment: Centering Indigenous Voices

Sign up for either Friday or Saturday!

This one-day workshop invites educators, leaders, and community members to confront the historical and ongoing erasure of Indigenous peoples —and to actively participate in building something better. Grounded in truth-telling and responsibility, participants will examine how colonial narratives have shaped curriculum, policy, and classroom practice, often silencing or misrepresenting Indigenous voices.

Moving beyond awareness, this session focuses on actionable change. Participants will explore what it truly means to center Indigenous knowledge, perspectives, and communities in meaningful, respectful, and accurate ways. Through guided reflection, real-world examples, and collaborative discussion, the workshop offers practical strategies for integrating Indigenous content across subject areas, strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities, and approaching this work with accountability rather than tokenism.

Designed for both those just beginning and those deepening their practice, this workshop creates space for honest dialogue, learning, and growth. Attendees will leave with tools, resources, and a clearer understanding of their role in advancing educational equity—shifting from systems of erasure toward spaces of empowerment where Indigenous students, histories, and futures are fully seen, valued, and sustained.

About the Instructor:

Donna Chrisjohn proudly identifies as a citizen of the Sicangu Lakota Nation and a descendant of the Dine Nation. She is a Denver, Colorado native and a devoted mother of five children. With over 25 years of legal expertise spanning private, public, and tribal law, Donna has demonstrated her commitment to the legal profession.

In addition to her legal career, Donna is an accomplished Diversity and Inclusion consultant and presenter. Her dedication to making a positive impact is further evident through her active engagement in the Native community, both at the local and national levels. She generously volunteers her time and plays vital roles in multiple organizations.

Donna’s impressive affiliations include service as the former Co-Chair of the Denver American Indian Commission, the Chinook Fund’s Board of Directors, and the Board of Directors for People of the Sacred Land.

Education is more than a mere interest for Donna; it’s her life’s purpose. As an Indigenous Education Consultant, she has passionately conveyed the Indigenous perspective to schools and organizations for an astounding 46 years. Donna’s commitment to promoting understanding and respect for Indigenous cultures is exemplified by her teaching of an immersion course titled “Indigenous Voices,” which she offers each semester

Adult Program Cancelation Policy

We understand that plans can change, and we try our best to work with you if you need to cancel a class. Email cancellation requests to communityprograms@aspennature.org. Please read carefully.

A 50% REFUND is given if cancellation request is made within 14 days of program start date.

NO REFUNDS are given for cancellation requests received within 14 days of program start date. 

In the event that ACES has to cancel a class, FULL REFUNDS will be issued (no additional fees).

Please let us know if you would like to turn your program refund into a fully tax-deductible gift to the Children’s Education Fund to support ACES’ education programs. The amount of your donation will reflect the cancellation policy, and the amount that you would receive as a refund at the date of cancellation. These programs provide valuable experiences for students that encourage resiliency, creativity, and a connection to the outdoors. We thank you, as always, for being part of the ACES family!