AIE October Newsletter 2026

• Ojibwe language Rosetta Stone sign-up
• Wildcompass Field Trip Dates
• Indigenous Peoples Day Event(s)
• Google Classroom
• AIPAC Meeting

Please fill out this google form below to sign up for upcoming programming and events like the MIEA annual conference, field trip, Fitness Club, and more.

On September 18th AIE hosted our beginning of the school year celebration in conjunction with the Mahkato Wacipi!

On September 30th, students and staff across East and West High Schools wore orange to mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. A special thanks to our AIE student leaders Morgan Leith and Acet Littleowl-Silva and Insite students who helped heat-press the very shirts worn in these photos! Orange Shirt Day honors residential school survivors and their families, honoring the story of Phyllis Webstad and reminding us all that Every Child Matters.🧡

Upcoming Field Trip

• October 6th for grades 2-5 (permission slips were sent out already)

Future Dates:

Elementary School (Grades 2-5)

• May 11th

Middle School (NEW!)

• May 18th

📌Location: Battle Creek Regional Park & Recreation Center

3 Battle Creek Ct.

Saint Paul, MN 55119

📅When: October 9th - 11th 2026

🎫What to Expect:

• Basketball Expo: Minnesota’s largest Native-led basketball event, featuring a skills camp, 3x3 and 5x5 tournaments, and an MMIW/R (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women/Relatives) Awareness Game.
• Art & Culture: Explore the returning Art Expo and local Vendor Market.
• Community Health: Enjoy a variety of free public health activities.
• Food & Fun: Delicious local food options from the Native American Food Truck Festival.
• Cost: Free activities available (registration required)

• More Details: Visit linktr.ee/indigenouspeoplesweekend to view the full schedule and register for free activities.

Google classroom is a very important way for the AIE liaisons to get messages out to students about AIE celebrations, community events, and many opportunities. Students grades 6-12 were sent invitations through Google classroom. Please check with your student to make sure they are signed up with the classroom!

Otherwise email AIE Liaison Winona to get class code: wwilli1@isd77.org

Mankato schools American Indian ed. has come across an amazing opportunity to provide students with Ojibwe language classes! Rosetta Stone has partnered with Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe to offer fully online, learn at your own pace, beginners-level Ojibwe courses.

If you would like to enroll in these language classes...

• It will be completely free to you!
• You have up to 2 years to complete the course.
• No deadlines for completed learning modules! Learn at your own pace.

Just like popular apps such as Doulingo or Babbel, this course is made to fit in with your everyday life.

Language is such an important part of Native culture! Not only would it be cool to learn, but it connects you deeply to your people and their teachings.

Please email Winona Williams students name + schools email if they would like to get signed up!: wwilli1@isd77.org

We have an exciting opportunity to partner with Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Native American Student Association (NASA) for their upcoming Craft Nights!
These events are a wonderful way to learn different skills like beading and sewing.

Event Details

• Dates:
• Thursday, Oct. 22nd
• Wednesday, Nov. 4th
• Monday, Nov. 16th
• Wednesday, Dec. 2nd

Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Centennial Student Union (CSU), Room 269 at MSU Mankato
Getting There:
Students will need to arrange their own transportation to and from the MSU campus. However, if you are very interested in attending but transportation is a barrier, please reach out to me directly and we can try to figure out a ride option together.

Please email either Winona or Ayasha if your student is interested in going!

Emails: wwilli1@isd77.org or awilli4@isd77.org