PAGE, Ariz. – One Native student stood proud in her cap and gown, which she had beaded and adorned with a feather, but was quickly taken away by Farmington High School faculty because it was against the dress code.
A video and post quickly called out the school faculty for taking a student’s traditional accessories. President Nygren immediately knew Native students would never have to go through that again.
“I am disappointed with the faculty for taking the students’ beaded cap and feather,” said President Nygren. “These students overcome great obstacles to be able to get their diploma and to be honored with an eagle feather.”
President Nygren took it upon himself to sign an executive order stating any school with Navajo students within the Navajo Nation or outside needs to allow Native accessories like beaded caps and feathers.
The executive order was signed at Page High School following four student-athletes signing to a college and before Page High School sent off their very own graduates.
“I commend Page High School faculty for supporting their Native student population,” said President Nygren. “Tomorrow, we will see all the young students wearing their feathers, moccasins, beaded caps, and they will be fully supported not just by their families but by the school faculty themselves.”
President Nygren referenced the Navajo Sovereignty in Education Act of 2005, that the Navajo Nation will protect and honor education through Navajo culture, integrity, and Navajo sovereignty.
When President Nygren took office, he promised to ensure the Navajo Nation would exercise its sovereignty because the people needed to be protected like students on their graduation day.
“It’s graduation season, and families have waited years for their little ones to walk across the stage in their cap and gowns,” said President Nygren. “We, as Navajos, show our students we support them by giving them traditional accessories to wear like a blessed eagle feather. It is unacceptable for anyone to take that away. I won’t stand for it.”
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