Crane Named New CTUIR Education Department Director

MISSION, Ore. – Effective Jan. 2, Jaimie Crane will become the new Education Department director for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR).

“It was an amazing surprise,” she said. “I am grateful that I was given an opportunity to discuss my philosophies and skills with leadership and to share my vision to empower our community through learning. What an exciting way to end this year and enter the next.”

Crane has worked at the CTUIR since June 2020 within the departments of Children and Family Services and Natural Resources. Most recently she served as the Human Resources Training & Development manager. She also serves on the Nixyáawii Community School Executive Board.

Along with a bachelor’s degree in educational studies focusing on elementary and special education, Crane has a master’s degree in teaching. Her education background includes working as a special needs instructor at the Idaho School for the Deaf and Blind and as a special education paraprofessional at Mountain Home School in Idaho.

Crane said her goals as director include using evidence-based best practices, cultural reinforcements and coordination of services with resource providers to help students reach their educational aspirations.

“Education is the cornerstone of individual progress, contributing to personal development, economic prosperity, social cohesion and the overall well-being of communities,” she said.

She replaces Modesta Minthorn, who became Portland State University’s first executive director of Tribal Relations in November. Minthorn served as Education Department director for eight years.

 The Education Department consists of nine programs including the Cay-Uma-Wa Head Start, Átaw Miyánašma Learning Center, Higher Education & Vocational Training and CTUIR Language Program.

The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation is comprised of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla Tribes, formed under the Treaty of 1855 at the Walla Walla Valley, 12 Stat. 945. In 1949, the Tribes adopted a constitutional form of government to protect, preserve and enhance the reserved treaty rights guaranteed under federal law.