TLI Program information
The Teacher Language Institute is building the next generation of Hiaki educators who teach from the heart and are grounded in Hiaki ways of knowing, language, and identity.
TLI GOALS
- Increase the number of certified Yaqui Language Instructors
- Prepare teachers to be proficient in Hiak noki & teach curricula
- Develop dialogues for home access to Hiak language for families
- Design curriculum crosswalk
- Develop a companion K-1 curriculum for the Yaqui Independent School District
As Hiaki educators, we want to foster an environment and create a curriculum that doesn’t just teach culture to our children, but most importantly, TEACHES CULTURALLY.
Hiaki teachers are more than educators — they are keepers of culture, language, and identity.
They guide future generations with wisdom rooted in community and strength grounded in tradition. Through their teaching, they inspire pride, purpose, and possibility in every student they reach.
Hiaki Ye Mahtame will embody the following core values:
- Cultural integrity
- Community Connection
- Holistic Teaching
- Academic Rigor
- Leadership and Advocacy