Celebrating Native American Heritage Through Art at Scholarship Prep South Bay

Throughout National Native American Heritage Month, Scholarship Prep South Bay celebrated the creativity, history, and traditions of Native American communities. This November, Art Instructor Ms. Ruiz led a special unit designed to bring these stories to life in the classroom.

“I am half Mexican, half Native American. I come from the Navajo tribe on my mother’s side,” Ms. Ruiz shared. “That alone makes me love my culture because my mom is the strongest woman I know. Although we don’t know as much as we want to know, there are things she passed down to me, like the art of making dreamcatchers. She also taught me that my culture needs a voice because slowly we are being forgotten.”

Students explored vibrant art inspired by Native American traditions and by artists such as John Nieto. They learned to let the pencil or brush guide them, discovering that what seems like a “mistake” can lead to unexpected creativity.

“My goal is for students to open their hearts to learning about another culture and keep my brothers and sisters’ voices heard,” Ms. Ruiz said. “I hope they remember the hardships my people endured, but also the beauty and wonders of our traditions, like the Navajo code talkers in World War II.”

Through this unit, Scholars not only created art but they also celebrated a culture, explored its history, and discovered the stories and voices that continue to inspire. Ms. Ruiz’s lessons show how art can be a bridge to understanding, expression, and connection. To see how our art instructors bring creativity, culture, and history to life in every classroom, 

Learn More About Our Art Program