Preserving Native American culture in Dallas ISD

Tana Takes Horse is shaping the future of the American Indian Education Program in Dallas ISD. 

In a role deeply rooted in her experience as a professional, a Native woman, and a mother, she is guiding students on a journey to understand and embrace their Native identity. 

November, Native American Heritage Month, is a time to honor the histories, traditions, and resilience of the indigenous peoples of North America. But in Dallas, where a distinct Native community has existed for more than 70 years, Takes Horse said many remain unaware of it.  

“There are quite a few descendants in the American Indian program,” she said. “We are trying to fill these students’ gaps in learning. A lot of times, that’s uncovering identity, especially since many students have never been back to their reservations.” 

The roots of this community date back to the 1950’s, when the Indian Relocation Act of 1956 brought Native Americans from reservations across the country to west Dallas. Now, three generations later, many of their descendants in Dallas ISD have not had the opportunity to learn about their culture.  

“When I first started with the program, a lot of my students could not tell me about their tribe,” she said. “So that’s been a major goal for me, to teach them, so they are able to say where they are from.”  

To reconnect students to their heritage, Takes Horse hosts a Native Book Club and runs a mobile library that visits schools once a month. She reads with students and leaves them with a free book written by Native authors, helping to expose students to native cultures even beyond their own.  

Among her proudest accomplishments is establishing a graduation ceremony for Native high school seniors, first held in May 2025. 

Surrounded by their Native American traditions, students were able to celebrate themselves in a meaningful way. With a strong commitment to student well-being, she also ensures Native students have access to vital resources. 

“It’s great to see this kind of program take off in Dallas,” she said. “I’m proud as a parent, as the administrator, and as a Native American.”