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Dagotee, Shi Nikki Lewis gonzee, te’ na’ doljage’ ba ninshtii.Nikki Lewis was born on the San Carlos Apache Reservation and is an enrolled member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe. She is also Pueblo, from the village of Paguate in Laguna, New Mexico.Her educational background includes an Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education from Gila Pueblo Community College/Eastern Arizona College, a Bachelor of Science in Literacy, Learning, and Leadership with an emphasis in community education, and a Master of Arts in Language, Reading, and Culture with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education. Throughout her academic and professional journey, from Pre-K through higher education, her work has focused on cultivating spaces that integrate Apache ways of teaching and learning.Nikki currently serves as an Academic Advising Coordinator and Career Specialist, supporting students in navigating their educational pathways and achieving their academic goals. She also teaches ECE 110: Emergent Language and Literacy, a course centered on oral and written language development, early literacy, assessment of typical language growth, and strategies for fostering language-rich environments and family engagement.In addition, Nikki is the site coordinator for Cultivating Relationships: Partnering with Teachers and Tribes to Integrate Indigenous and School STEM Knowledge (CR), a project funded by the National Science Foundation in collaboration with the University of Idaho. Through this work, she creates learning environments that center Apache teaching methodologies while deepening her understanding of Apache language, ontology (being), and axiology (value) through collaboration with community members and cultural experts.Previously, Nikki worked as a Mentor Coach with the San Carlos Early Childhood Program and as a graduate assistant with Native American Student Affairs at the University of Arizona.
Nikki considers herself “homegrown.” She attended Bylas Lutheran School in her early years and completed her K–12 education within the San Carlos school system. After graduating high school, she attended Yavapai College before returning home to work in various roles across the San Carlos community, including positions in forestry, education, administration, wellness programs, and community services. While working, she continued her education locally through Eastern Arizona College/Gila Pueblo Community College.After earning her associate degree, Nikki moved to Tucson to pursue her bachelor’s degree and later completed her graduate studies there as well. Nikki followed the example set by her mother, achieving success in higher education and returning home to serve her community this has always been one of her guiding goals.