![]() Hopefully, this position will become part of the general school budget. Here, an opportunity to spend time with someone who looks and feels like them can help students develop a stronger sense of identity.įPS Indian Education, a model program in the region, continues to move the district in the right direction in educating its staff and supporting its Native American students. These bi-monthly meetings use Native American teachings, cultural ways, and traditions to help students bring a mindfulness to the struggles and decisions they encounter. Middle and high school “Warrior Circles” are an innovative part of White's work. In trying to increase Native American content in the curriculum, White created an unprecedented, elective Native American Cultural Studies course open to all high school students.Ī major project is studying a specific tribal nation-Native American students learn more about their tribes, community, and reservations and tribal nation’s government, history and cultural practices, along with non-Native students who also select a tribal nation to study. White launched live Zoom lessons throughout all 15 elementary-school buildings and integrated Native American cultural-learning across the curriculum. This motto drives his work: “What is good for Native American students is good for all students.” Helping educators gain knowledge that leads to cultural competence and culturally-responsive teaching is an ongoing initiative he believes will result in staff becoming more understanding of the district’s 600 Native American students, while improving educational outcomes. He provides ongoing education and training for staff about Native American education best practices. In keeping with the spirit of SB 2304, White developed several projects, which have been well-received by administrators. He has served as a teacher and administrator. We all deserve to understand not only the rich heritage of Native people in the state of North Dakota, but also that Native people are an important group in today’s North Dakota.” Ricky White, who attended a Canadian Residential School, is an Ojibwe educator widely recognized for his work with language, traditions, culture, and history, holds this position. This law is not only for Native students. According to the director of equity and inclusion, the specialist’s goal is to “help ensure is taught accurately and appropriately. FPS Indian Education Coordinator Melody Staebner recommended a federally-funded Indian education cultural specialist position as part of the district’s SB2304 response.
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