Joshua Davies currently serves as the Native American Education Program Administrator for the Eugene 4J School District. In this role, he oversees a federal grant designed to address the needs of Native American students in the district. The program he manages, known as the Native Americans Towards Improved Values in Education and Society (NATIVES), supports 800 students from K-12, representing approximately 189 tribes across the nation. Despite recently assuming this position, working for the 4J school district has been Davies’s lifelong aspiration since completing his undergraduate degree.
Davies has a deep-rooted commitment to underrepresented youth, stemming from his upbringing in a Native household and the influence of Native educators who emphasized the importance of education. His desire to help students and communities with fewer opportunities became evident early on, guiding his educational and career pursuits. Having moved from Coos Bay, OR, to Eugene, OR, Davies brings a wealth of experience, including roles as a third-grade student teacher, a six-year tenure as a 6th-grade teacher, and various leadership positions during the initial year of the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the interview, Davies acknowledged the mentorship he received from Brenda Brainard, a member of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw tribes, who previously held the position of Native American Education Program Administrator for the 4J school district. This role, made possible by the Indian Education Act of 1972, serves to unite Native youth for cultural learning and engagement at no cost to students or families.
In his current role, Davies collaborates with students, faculty, and families while leading a dedicated four-person team. The team focuses on delivering presentations on diverse topics, such as Indigenous foods and land sovereignty, to schools in the district. Despite their small size, the team actively ensures that schools receive accurate educational resources, and Native students receive the necessary support both inside and outside the classroom. Davies highlighted initiatives like “read and feeds” on the first Wednesday of the month and culture nights on subsequent Wednesdays, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe and positive environment for all students.
As Davies continues his career in Native education, his goal is to make a positive impact on Indigenous students and contribute to their future educational endeavors by supporting the community as a whole.
Jorney, this interview with Joshua Davies is inspirational to read. Thank you for sharing it with us. Joshua’s commitment to providing a safe positive environment for students K-12 to learn in brings us hope during more than challenging times. His determined support for the Indigenous Community as a whole is a solid foundation to meet his goals. Blessings up for both of you on your chosen life paths.