April Newsletter

To support and strengthen increased educational outcomes for American Indian students by promoting culturally responsive instruction, family and student engagement and partnerships with MPS departments, schools and the broader community.

American Indian students are empowered to reach their full potential through educational experiences that value their cultural identities.

When: Tuesday, April 2nd, 2024

Time: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Google Meet Log In: https://meet.google.com/tsq-cqxa-cgh

Dial In: +​1​ ​4​1​5​-​7​3​7​-​9​7​1​1 PIN: 7​9​7​ ​5​1​8​ ​5​1​0​#

If you have any questions, concerns, need assistance or would like to engage with other families please attend these meetings or contact Christine.

These meetings are open to ALL students, families and community members to attend. We welcome all to come talk about how we can create better opportunities for our American Indian students within MPS. Please contact Christine Wilson, Family Engagement Coordinator, at Christine.wilson@mpls.k12.mn.us for more information or with any questions.

ALL meetings will be held VIRTUAL from 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM for the remaining of the year. Here are some dates to future meetings:

Tuesday May 7th

Tuesday June 4th

MPS is offering American Indian Freedom School again this summer!! NO COST TO OUR FAMILIES!!!

NOTE that we had an overwhelming amount of families sign up. Families who will still want to register will be put on to a wait list!

Breakfast & lunch provided, & transportation by school bus for those within the city of Minneapolis.

Dates: June 24th - August 8th (no programming will be held on July 4)

Programming will happen 4 Days a week Monday through Thursdays

Time: 9:15am-3:45pm

Location: Seward Elementary School (2309 28th Ave S, Minneapolis)

Students who are entering grades 1st – 9th in the fall 2024.

To register and apply for the waitlist, go to this link: qrco.de/Seward

MPS Enrollment

Jennifer Graff

jennifer.graff@mpls.k12.mn.us or call 612-668-1814

I am descended from Chief Maangozid (Loon’s Foot) of Fond du Lac through my mother, Joyce LaPorte. My pride and joy is my grandson Thane Cuoi Makwa and his dad, my son, Mykl, is my greatest accomplishment. MPS has been my employer since August of 2000. Various roles withing the Special Education arena but did have positions in North HS and Stadium View which were both very meaningful positions/places to work.

Are you looking for a new school for your student 24-25 school year? MPS now has Jennifer Graff, Student Enrollment & Retention Specialist, who is available to work with any American Indian family that has enrollment, student placement questions or would like to request a new school for next year.

Early Childhood

Melody Iron Eaglefeather

melody.ironeaglefeather@mpls.k12.mn.us

Han mitakupaye,

My name is Melody Iron EagleFeather and I'm an enrolled member of Standing Rock Tribe. I was born and raised in Minneapolis. I grew up going to Minneapolis Public Schools and have always wanted to contribute to my community in some way. I work as an Associate Educator in the Early Childhood and Family Education program. I invite all my Native relatives to join me and my amazing colleague, Teacher Priya, Monday nights for our Families of Tradition class where we share a hot meal and discuss important topics regarding raising our children and their development. We also have fun activities for the children, including gym time.

I look forward to continuing my work for Minneapolis Public Schools and plan on getting my license soon.

Aliya Rivera

Engagement, Education & Outreach Specialist

aliya.rivera@mpls.k12.mn.us or call/text 612-462-2660

Questions, concerns, or looking to connect with District staff but unsure where to start? Aliya Rivera is a resource within the District to provide navigation and district wide engagement support for American Indian families!

Office of the Ombudsperson

Mitchell Roldan

Director of the Ombudsperson

mitchell.roldan@mpls.k12.mn.us

612-668-0234

An ombudsperson is someone who listens to and investigates complaints or concerns about an organization. The Office of the Ombudsperson can assist families who have questions, concerns or complaints against MPS schools, programs, offices, and staff. The Ombudsperson is a neutral party who does not take sides.

They work with families, community members, and MPS to investigate complaints, clarify and resolve questions, and address concerns in an impartial and timely manner. The services of the Ombudsperson are free. The Ombudsperson is an objective third-party whose goal is to work with people who have a problem with MPS to find a solution.

Please click HERE if you would like to submit a concern.

Family Engagement Coordinator

White Earth Nation

christine.wilson@mpls.k12.mn.us or call/text 612-715-0864

Want to learn more about how to get engaged with the Indian Education Department? Christine Wilson is an expert in the district wide support services in Indian Education. She is a key lead for several initiatives including the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC), American Indian Awareness & Family Involvement Week and the Attendance work group.

Aquila Tapio

District Program Facilitator (Focus on Special Education supports)

Oglala Lakota

aquila.tapio@mpls.k12.mn.us

Aquila Tapio, Oglala Lakota, joins the American Indian Education Department as the District Program Facilitator (DPF) focusing on Special Education and MDE’s Dream Catcher Project. Since 2012, she has been at South High School as a Reading Intervention Teacher and Special Education Resource Teacher. Aquila graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1999 and went on to earn her special education teaching licenses and Master’s Degree in Education from Augsburg University. She and her husband have three children and live in South Minneapolis. Aquila enjoys creating beadwork, quillwork, and dentalium earrings, as well as, sewing ribbon skirts and star quilts. She is excited to begin her new position and to support students and families in MPS.

Please click here.

Indian Education currently has twelve School Success Program Assistants located at Elementary Schools, Middle Schools and High Schools. They provide American Indian Affinity & Culture groups. If you would like to connect with any of the SSPA's please click the corresponding link for contact information and which school they are located:

To see a full list of site specific American Indian affinity groups click HERE

The Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) American Indian Education department is conducting their annual election for its American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC) for the 2024-2025 academic/school year. Elected committee members serve as a voice for more than 1,800 American Indian students and families within the more than 75 schools that make up the MPS district.

Here is the form link:

https://forms.gle/QVfeUkY5bWGsS6bv7

CLOSES FRIDAY, APRIL 19th, 2024

Jackie Bird, a member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Tribe of South Dakota and the Three Affiliated Tribes of North Dakota, grew up entertaining. Jackie does it all! She sings, writes lyrics, dances, plays instruments, beads, and more. In 1988, she learned to hoop dance, and in 1992, she created a puppet, “Wild Flower,” who assists Jackie in her children’s shows.

Take Flight with Jackie Bird video

Link to schools and times HERE.

Click HERE to register.

Honoring Our Youth Vendor/Table registration.

Click HERE to register.

Senior Survey that includes the sizes for your ribbon shirt/skirt and request for photos (NEEDED BY APRIL 15th) click HERE.

Honoring Event RSVP (NEEDED BY MAY 15th) click HERE.

Register by clicking HERE.