The Department of the Interior (DOI) Convocation Honor Award Ceremony was held Thursday, September 8, 2022 in Washington D.C.

      There were six (6) award categories being presented: Safety and Health Award of Excellence and the Aviation Safety Awards, Environmental Achievement Award, Secretary’s Diversity Award, Distinguished Service Award, Valor Award, and Citizen’s Award for Bravery.  SIPI’s own Dr. Danielle Lansing (Diné) of the Early Childhood Education Program was a recipient of the Distinguished Service Award, the US Department of Interior’s highest honorary recognition for outstanding contributions.

      Since beginning her tenure at SIPI in 2012, Dr. Lansing’s passion for Indigenous education has been exhibited by her leadership as a project director in several funded initiatives focusing on community engagement and teacher education. These projects include A Tribal College and University Collaborative to Strengthen Systems of Care and Learning with Native Families and Children; Ke’ Early Childhood Initiative: Strengthening Systems of Shared Responsibility among Native Families, Schools, and Communities; and Wakanyeja ‘Sacred Little Ones’- Tribal College Readiness and Success by Third Grade Initiative.

      Additionally, Dr. Lansing has published numerous articles and served on a number committees across campus. She continues to pave roads for the next generation of Indigenous learners and leaders. Thank you for your outstanding work and support. Congratulations Dr. Lansing!