Human Resources

My name is Kathleen Honahni. I am Hopi from the village of Moenkopi and also Otoe-Missouria, a tribe located in Oklahoma. I began my journey with Santa Fe Indian School in July 2001 and have served in many capacities, including Network Technician, Transportation Coordinator, and Human Resources Assistant, before accepting the role of Human Resources Director in January 2018.

 

Over the years, I have committed myself to furthering my education in ways that directly support the needs of SFIS. I earned an Associate’s Degree in Computer Science to strengthen the school’s technology department, a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, and a Master’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management.. This education, paired with decades of experience, provides a solid framework for my work as HR Director.

In this role, I strive to balance technical knowledge of federal employment law with the respect and understanding of Pueblo etiquette, tribal protocol, and the sovereign status of SFIS as a tribally controlled school. I am knowledgeable of Federal Employment Laws, and I carry that knowledge alongside cultural respect, awareness of Pueblo traditions, and comprehension of our unique sovereign status. My work includes recruitment and hiring, employee relations, benefits, background checks, mediations, policy review, and ensuring compliance with all personnel policies. Every responsibility I carry is grounded in confidentiality, accountability, and integrity.

 

I believe the ultimate purpose of Human Resources at SFIS goes beyond staffing—it is about our students. By hiring and supporting the most qualified teachers, residential staff, and support personnel, we honor our responsibility to provide Native students with an equitable education in a safe and secure environment.

 

I am humbled and grateful to serve SFIS as both an employee and a parent. With diligence, compassion, and respect, I work every day to strengthen our community and to ensure that employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to serve the mission of Santa Fe Indian School.

My name is Edwina Bernal-Lujan. I am from the Pueblo of Taos and Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma.  I am an alumna of Santa Fe Indian School and a member of the Human Resources Team for our school.  I am currently, the Human Resources Assistant here at SFIS, where I oversee the recruitment, onboarding and backgrounding processes. This role has allowed me to enhance my leadership, communication, and conflict resolution skills.

My passion for HR management allows me to create a positive and productive workplace environment. The challenge of balancing organizational goals with employee needs is important to me. My motivation comes from seeing the positive impact of these efforts on both employee well-being and overall school performance.

Before my current role, I worked as HR Coordinator at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa, where I had oversight of employee relations and onboarding. Prior to my tenure with Tamaya, I worked in varies roles within the Human Resources profession for the Pueblo of Taos and Town of Taos Municipal Government. I hold an Associate of Arts Degree in Human Services from Central NM Community College, Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work from NM Highland’s University and a Master of Legal Studies in Indigenous Peoples Law from the University of Oklahoma.  I hold certifications in Tribal Human Resources Professional I & II and Tribal Adjudication Professional through the National Native American Human Resources Association.

Looking ahead, I am committed to fostering a supportive and dynamic workplace here at SFIS by continuing our HR initiatives and contributing to the development of employee engagement strategies. I am eager to leverage my skills and experiences to drive success and continue growing both professionally and personally.