About Us

Our Mission

Indigenous Educators Empowerment (IEE) is designed to empower families to use their voice to impact real, local change in areas directly affecting them.

The empowered Native voice has brought about changes in political power and policy here in Nevada. We have attained Native tuition waivers, finally freed ourselves of degrading race based mascots, and have made strides to protect sacred land. Together our voice is strong, and with this momentum behind us we move forward.

Land Acknowledgement

Acknowledging the traditional homelands of the Numu (Northern Paiute), Nuwu (Southern Paiute), Wašiw (Washoe), and Newe (Western Shoshone), in what is now the state of Nevada.

Lance West, President/Executive Director
E. Mercedes Krause, Vice-President
Rata Elmore, Secretary
Ila Yazzie, Board Member
Steven Horner, Board Member
Natalie O’Neal, Board Member

Our Services

research

Our commitment to empowering Indigenous educators is deeply rooted in rigorous, community-driven research. We collaborate with educators, elders, and knowledge keepers to document and analyze culturally relevant pedagogical practices, language revitalization efforts, and the impact of educational policies on Indigenous communities. This research not only informs our program development but also serves as a vital resource for advocating for systemic change and ensuring that educational systems truly honor and reflect Indigenous knowledge and perspectives.

Professional Development

Beyond research, we provide comprehensive professional development opportunities designed to empower educators, administrators, and educational leaders at district and state levels. Our workshops and training programs focus on culturally responsive teaching strategies, integrating Indigenous knowledge into curricula, and fostering inclusive learning environments. We prioritize collaborative learning, ensuring that educators gain practical skills and build supportive networks to effectively serve Indigenous students and communities.

Grassroots Organizing

Finally, we are dedicated to fostering grassroots organizing within both tribal and urban Native communities. We believe that empowering communities to advocate for their own educational needs is essential for sustainable change. We provide resources, training, and support to enable community members to organize, build coalitions, and engage in informed advocacy, ensuring that Indigenous voices are at the forefront of shaping educational policies and practices that directly impact their children and future generations.

Board of Directors

Lance West
President/Executive Director

Lance West is a citizen of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe and Principal for Schurz Elementary School, a public PK-6 school located on the tribal lands of the Walker River Paiute Reservation. He has twenty-three years of experience in public education. Lance is a former school board member for Pyramid Lake Junior/Senior High School, a 6-12 BIE-funded school, He is a doctoral student at the University of Nevada’s College of Education and Human Development’s Ed.D. Educational Leadership program. In having the experiences of working for urban and rural school districts; Lance brings a unique perspective of both western and Indigenous education. His vision and values are reinforced by his beliefs in providing a voice for all marginalized families.