“Mitakuye Oyasin” – the Lakota phrase for recognizing that there is a universal connection between all of creation – has been part of Proctor’s fabric since the mid-1980s. The Native American presence at Proctor Academy has taken many shapes over the course of the last 40 years. 

Our commitment to cultivating relationships is a reflection of the school’s mission and deep respect for the value of Native perspectives. The intention is to honor and educate our community about Native American life through student and faculty exchange.

Proctor Academy celebrated Indigenous People’s Day and Native American Heritage Month throughout the second half of October with a series of guest educators, special events, and educational opportunities for the entire community to learn about the history of indigeneous peoples in both this region and the entire country. 

Guest educator John Around Him joined Proctor for a week of listening, learning, and teaching. A native of the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, John’s family has been connected to Proctor since his father was a guest educator on Proctor’s campus in the 1980s and 1990s.

Additional programming saw students view the award winning film Dawn Land; write letters to and visit the State House in Concord advocating for the State of New Hampshire to officially recognize Indigenous People’s Day instead of Columbus Day; and share in a special Indigenous People’s dinner in the Brown Dining Commons. 

Learn more about Proctor’s Native American Connection program at ProctorAcademy.org/on-campus/student-life/equity-and-inclusion/native-american-connection.