American Indian Education Program

Biindigan | Mitakuye | Welcome.

White Bear Lake Area Schools (WBLAS) American Indian Education Program (AIEP) is working in collaboration with the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC), and the Educational Equity and Achievement Department for WBLAS. Supervised via the Offices of Federal (Title VI) and State (AIEA) Programs. The AIEP goals are to provide meaningful, intentional, effective academic/non academic services and opportunities to every WBLAS American Indian (AI) student, while fostering cultural identity, pride, and intercultural education.

White Bear Lake is on the traditional homeland of the Dakota people. Bdote is where the Minnesota and Mississippi River meet, the center of the Dakota people.

American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC) Meeting Schedule School Year 2022-2023

The AIPAC meets on the third Wednesday of each month from 6:00-7:30pm (virtually at this time). All American Indian parents, students, and staff are encouraged to attend. For more information on the AIPAC, its' purpose, members, and history - please refer to the Parent/Guardian tab below.

September 21, 2022
October 19, 2022
November 16, 2022
December 21, 2022
January 13, 2023
February 15, 2023
March 15, 2023
April 19, 2023
May 17, 2023
June 21, 2023

Google Meet virtual meeting info:

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/cja-qgmg-dne
Or dial: ‪(US) +1 929-329-2402‬ PIN: ‪762 255 905‬#

"When we talk about land, land is part of who we are. It’s a mixture of our blood, our past, our current, and our future. We carry our ancestors in us, and they’re around us. As you all do.” Mary Lyons, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe

Resources

Program Staff

Student

Nation to Nation Indigenous American Indian Culture/Education Clubs

Nation to Nation Indigenous American Indian Culture/Education Clubs are offered to primary and secondary American Indian students at WBLAS. The purpose of American Indian Education Clubs are to bring our American Indian students together for cultural enrichment and community building while focusing on student achievement. As the American Indian Education Program continues to expand, we implement new culturally-relevant curriculum regarding community growth for all grades. This year all AI middle/high school students will benefit from our partnership and collaboration with Migizi Communications. Tedi Grey Owl will be meeting with AI students weekly from October-May. Through these collaborations students will develop educational and cultural goals.

Contacting American Indian Education Program Staff:

Please contact the Office of the American Indian Education Program Specialist with any of your questions as an American Indian student/family member, or staff in the WBLAS district. Topics may include the following, but are not limited to these bulleted points:

Cultural enrichment
Academic advocacy/mentoring
Social emotional support
Navigating WBLAS resources and activities
Navigating community resources
Hybrid/distance learning support

Parent/Guardian

Parent Involvement

The White Bear Lake American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC) is a collective of members comprised of parents, teachers and students who meet regularly throughout the school year on a monthly basis. It is a parent driven initiative working collaboratively with representatives of the White Bear Lake Area Schools toward better outcomes for all American Indian students. The AIPAC's purpose is to identify and address areas to improve academic achievement of American Indian students through positive self-identity, as well as, to enhance knowledge of culture in broader school communities. AIPAC initiatives and events are supported by White Bear Lake Area Schools with funding provided by the Federal Title VI program, and the Minnesota Department of Education American Indian Education Aid (AIEA) provided by the Department of Education and the Office of Indian Education. Provision of an Indian Education Parent Advisory Committee in each Minnesota school district is required by Minnesota Statutes, Sec. 124D.78.

Program Staff | American Indian Parent Advisory Committee Members (AIPAC)

Parent Advisory Committee Members

○ Andrew Adams III, Chairperson/Parent

○ Raymond Cermak, Vice-chairperson/Parent

○ Christine Cermak, Parent

○ Danielle Delong, Parent

○ Victoria Leoni, Parent

○ Dennis Olson Jr., Parent

○ Kelly Sam, Parent

○ Brianna Tahdooahnippah, Parent

○ Forrest Tahdooahnippah, Parent

○ Timothy Whalen, Teacher - North Campus

○ Nancy Vogt, Teacher - South Campus

○ Tiffany Dittrich, Teacher Union President

○ Angela Thompson, School Board Member

○ Laura Wright, Parent

○ Shauna Coons, Parent

○ Deanna Heutmaker, Parent

Meeting Schedule

2022-23 American Indian Parent Advisory Committee Meeting Schedule

The AIPAC meets on the third Wednesday of each month from 6:00-7:30pm. All American Indian parents, students, and staff are encouraged to attend.

September 21, 2022
October 19, 2022
November 16, 2022
December 21, 2022
January 13, 2023
February 15, 2023
March 15, 2023
April 19, 2023
May 17, 2023
June 21, 2023

Google Meet virtual meeting info:

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/cja-qgmg-dne
Or dial: ‪(US) +1 929-329-2402‬ PIN: ‪762 255 905‬#

506 Form

MDE Ethnic & Racial Demographic Form

Proclamation

FAQ

I. How is the American Indian Education program funded?

The White Bear Lake American Indian Education Program is funded by the Federal (Title VI) grant, and the State American Indian Education Aid (AIEA). In order to apply for these funds, the district needs to document the number of American Indian students enrolled in White Bear Lake Area Schools.

II. Who is eligible for services?

Students whose parents have completed and returned 506 forms or who have answered Yes to question 1 on the MDE Ethnic and Racial Demographic form via the WBLAS Online Registration are eligible for American Indian Education Program services. Parents/guardians of American Indian students will also be invited to participate with their child for some events.

III. What is the cost for services?

Program services are available to all American Indian students enrolled in the program free of charge. The American Indian Education Program is a Federally and State funded program.

IV. Location?

We are located at White Bear Lake Area School District Center. 4855 Bloom Ave. Suite 301 White Bear Lake, MN 55110

V. How do I enroll my children in White Bear Lake Indian Education?

For our Federal Title VI funds, student eligibility is determined by a fully completed 506 form. For State AIEA Funds student eligibility is determined via the MDE Ethnic and Racial Demographic Form (by answering Yes, to question 1). For more information contact program staff.

VI. Why should I fill out a 506 form for my children?

The Federal Government requires WBLAS to have on file a signed 506 form for each eligible student for Federal Title VI funding.

VII. What services are currently available for my children?

The following are examples of free services offered this year:

· Cultural enrichment classes for families and students

· Academic advocacy - monitoring grades and attendance

· Tutoring for high school students

· Information for post-secondary planning, financial aid and scholarships Students must be enrolled in the program to participate.

For additional information and assistance, contact program staff.

Add'l Resources

Post-Secondary Resources

National Indian Education Association - Scholarships

Financial Aid and College Preparation Resources for Native Americans

Resources from Minneapolis Indian Education Program

Education Checklist for Native Students and Families

Native Education 101: Basic Facts about American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Education

Paying for College: Native American Version

MN Office of Higher Education: Minnesota Indian Scholarship

Academic Resources

MN Native Literature Site

We Shall Remain PBS Video Series

Other Resources

Indigenous Roots Cultural Arts Center

Minnesota Indian Education Association

Minnesota Department of Education - Office of Indian Education

Activities

American Indian Education Program Activities

The White Bear Lake American Indian Education Program Activities already scheduled are below, we will update with more information as it becomes available for future activities. Please visit this section often for more information.

Indigenous Language

Lessons

Ojibwe Language & Culture - Open to all, no registration required

Teacher: Randy Ozaawaagwaneyaash Gresczyk

When: Thursdays October-April following the WBLAS Academic Calendar

Time: 6-7pm

Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/imx-einz-dwt
Or dial: ‪(US) +1 650-817-8563‬ PIN: ‪191 821 122‬#

Dakota Language & Culture - Open to all, no registration required

Teacher: Summer Dumarce.

When: Tuesdays October-April following the WBLAS Academic Calendar

Time: 6:00-7:00 pm

Google Meet joining info:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/kmw-rxjc-zok
Or dial: ‪(US) +1 601-908-3214‬ PIN: ‪254 965 394‬#

Virtual Storytelling

Anishinaabe Aatizookaanig Ojibwe Legends

Updated Virtual Storytelling coming soon for SY2022-23!

Newsletters

Prior school year Newsletters:

Native Times Newsletter 2019-2020 Winter Issue

Native Times Newsletter 2019-2020 Fall Issue

Native Times Newsletter 2019 Winter Issue

Native Times Newsletter 2018 Autumn Issue

Native Times Newsletter 2018 Fall Issue

Native Times Newsletter 2018 Summer Issue

Native Times Newsletter 2018 Spring Issue

Native Times Newsletter 2018 Winter Issue

Native Times Newsletter 2017 Fall Issue

Calendar

Helpful knowledge - empowering AIEP students & families

District Policies
Minnesota Statutes

District Policies

Policy 419, Tobacco-Free Environment: Possession and Use of Tobacco, Tobacco-Related Devices, and Electronic Delivery Devices; Vaping Awareness and Prevention Instructions
Exception IV - Traditional Medicines and Smudging
Policy 504, Student Dress and Appearance
Dress code - mascots and logos
Policy 514, Bullying Prevention Policy
Bullying - hate speech

Future Policy goals: AIEP Graduation decoration guidelines. Example of SY 2021-22 graduate dress code guidelines including AIEP cultural and traditional exceptions.