John Duran is Sicangu Lakota and an enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. He carries a profound legacy as the great-great-great-grandson of Chief Iron Shell, the first signer of the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie, and the great-great-grandson of Chief Hollow Horn Bear, who led the Lakota people through the difficult transition from free-roaming prairie life to the confines of the reservation system. Chief Hollow Horn Bear also fought valiantly in the Battle of Little Bighorn, contributing to the defeat of General Custer and the Seventh Cavalry. Continuing this legacy of activism, John's mother participated in the historic Indian Occupation of Alcatraz Island in 1969.
John has dedicated years to teaching in adult education, helping individuals obtain their GEDs and build the self-confidence necessary to pursue more fulfilling lives. Recently, his focus has shifted to mentoring Native youth in higher education, where he emphasizes the transformative power of higher education while offering guidance on avoiding the dangers of addiction and poor life choices.
After holding a leadership position in a federal government agency, John made a conscious decision to devote his life full-time to serving the Native community in higher education here at Santa Rosa Junior College as the Native American Program Coordinator. His mission is not only to increase participation but also to help facilitate advancement into the four-year university systems and help individuals reach their full potential, ultimately strengthening the Native community as a whole.
John is also an active participant in the recovery community here in Sonoma County and is deeply involved in practicing Native cultural traditions and ceremonies. He finds solace and inspiration in nature, enjoying activities like hiking all of the local trails in Sonoma County and going out to the coast to enjoy the beach. He loves spicy foods and is a huge fan of Snoopy and Charlie Brown.
As a firm believer in lifelong learning, he knows that education starts in the classroom but continues throughout life. Reflecting on his journey, John says, "It is the amazing people that the Creator has placed in my life who have helped shape who I am today. Higher education is a special place because everyone you meet there is a person of hope and faith. They have decided to embark on a journey, trusting that the Creator will provide results for their leap of faith."