American Indian Education Program
Biindigan | Mitakuye | Welcome.
The American Indian Education Program is supervised via the Office of Federal and State Programs, working in collaboration with the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC), and the Equity & Engagement Department for White Bear Lake Area Schools (WBLAS). The goal is to provide meaningful, intentional, effective academic/non academic services and opportunities to every WBLAS American Indian student, while fostering cultural identity and pride.
American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC) Meeting Schedule 2021-2022
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. For more information on the AIPAC, its' purpose, members, and history - please refer to the Parent/Guardian tab below.
- October 20, 2021
- November 17, 2021
- December 15, 2021
- January 19, 2022
- February 16, 2022
- March 16, 2022
- April 20, 2022
- May 18, 2022
Resources
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 Native American 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 continue to implement new culturally-relevant curriculum regarding community growth for all grades. Led by Baswewe, American Indian Education Program Specialist
Contacting Baswewe (English name, Sheri Gayle), the American Indian Education Program Specialist
Please contact Baswewe with any of your questions as a Native student, Native family, 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
Appointments
Appointment can be used by all students, families, and staff and serve as a platform to engage with and support the needs of our Indigenous community during this time. To schedule a 1 on 1 appointment with the American Indian Program Specialist, please click this button below.
Parent/Guardian
Parent Involvement
Contacts/Committee Members
Baswewe (Sheri Gayle)
American Indian Education Program Specialist
651-407-7647
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
○ Baswewe Sheri Gayle, American Indian Education Program Specialist
○ Tiffany Dittrich, Teacher Union President
○ Angela Thompson, School Board Member
○ Laura Wright, Parent
○ Shauna Coons, parent
○ Deanna Heutmaker, parent
Meeting Schedule
2021-22 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. For more information on the AIPAC, its' purpose, members, and history - please refer to the Parent/Guardian tab below.
- October 20, 2021
- November 17, 2021
- December 15, 2021
- January 19, 2022
- February 16, 2022
- March 16, 2022
- April 20, 2022
- May 18, 2022
506 Form
Proclamation
FAQ
I. How is the American Indian Education program funded?
The White Bear Lake Indian Education Program is partially funded through Title VI of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act. 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. This is done through the Title VI Student Eligibility Certification (506) form (link below).
II. Who is eligible for services?
Parents/guardians of American Indian students who are members of a tribe or band or who are descendants of a parent or grandparent who is a member of a tribe or band, are asked to consider completing this form. A completed form makes students eligible to receive services that the Title VI federal funding will provide. Completed forms should be returned to your child’s school or directly to:
III. What is the cost for services?
The American Indian Education program is a federally and state funded program. Program services are available to all American Indian students enrolled in the program free of charge.
IV. Location?
We are a part of the Office of Federal and State Grants Program, located at the 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?
To enroll in our program, you must fill out a 506 Form and send it to our office. To receive a form or for more information contact Baswewe (Sheri Gayle).
VI. Why should I fill out a 506 form for my children?
The Federal Government requires ISD 624 to have on file a signed 506 form for each student eligible student, before funding this program.
VII. What services are currently available for my children?
The following are 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 or help filling out your 506 Form call Baswewe (Sheri Gayle) at 651-407-7647 or by email at sheri.gayle@isd624.org.
Add'l Resources
Post-Secondary Resources
National Indian Education Association - Scholarships
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
We Shall Remain PBS Video Series
Indians of the Midwest, Past and Present
Other Resources
Indigenous Roots Cultural Arts Center
Minnesota Indian Education Association
Minnesota Department of Education - Office of Indian Education
Staff
American Indian Education Program Specialist
(Picture coming soon)
BASWEWE (English name, Sheri Gayle)
American Indian Education Program Specialist
651-407-7647
sheri.gayle@isd624.org
Activities
American Indian Education Program Activities
Drum and Dance 2021-2022
Drum and Dance welcomes all levels of experience/exposure to Indigenous cultural events. Drum and Dance meets Monthly on the second Thursday, from 6:00-7:30pm, we will be rotating our location every two events to a different school. All WBLAS community members are welcome, including all ages. Registration is not required in advance, however we request you sign in at the event, and encourage completion of our feedback form. We especially encourage Native youth and their families to participate. This activity is free and children must be accompanied by an adult. (*indicates a variation in scheduling). (*indicates a variation in scheduling).
- October 14, 2021
- Otter Elementary 1401 County Rd H2, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 651-653-2831
- November 11, 2021
- Otter Elementary 1401 County Rd H2, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 651-653-2831
- December 9, 2021
- Willow Lane Elementary 3375 Willow Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110 651-773-6170
- January 13, 2022 POSTPONED
- Willow Lane Elementary 3375 Willow Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110 651-773-6170
- February 10, 2022
- Location TBD
- March 10, 2022 (*date will change due to spring break)
- Location TBD
- April 14, 2022
- Location TBD
- May 12, 2022
- Location TBD
- June 9, 2022 (*date will change due to the end of the school year)
- Location TBD
Indigenous Language
Lessons
Ojibwe Language & Culture
Teacher: Ziibiins Alexandra Johnson.
When: Wednesdays January 26-March 9 & March 23-April 20.
Time: 6-7pm
Email to Register: Baswewe at sheri.gayle@isd624.org.
Ho-Chunk Language & Culture
Teacher: Danielle DeLong
When: Monthly, first Wednesdays
Time: 5:30-7pm
Webex Meeting Details: ID=2484 929 9140, Passcode=Hoocak (Case Sensitive)
Dakota Language & Culture
Teacher: Summer Dumarce.
When: Thursdays January 13-March 3 & March 24-April 14.
Time: 5:30-6:30pm
Email to Register: Baswewe at sheri.gayle@isd624.org.
Virtual Storytelling
Anishinaabe Aatizookaanig Ojibwe Legends
VIRTUAL Anishinaabe Aatizookaanig - Ojibwe Storytelling
Teacher: Summer Dumarce.
When: Mondays, January 10, 17, 24, 31, February 7, 14.
Time: 5:30-6:30pm
Zoom: ID=851 2998 0752, Passcode=WBLAS2022 (Case Sensitive)
Right click on the image and open as a new tab to see the details larger.
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