American Indian Studies Program
American Indian Studies Program
Aaniin / Aho / Bozho / Koolamalsi / Pōsōh / Shekóli
Hello or Greetings in Ojibwe / Hocak / Potawatomi / Mohican / Menominee / Oneida
The American Indian Studies Program at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) was established in 1989 to support the implementation of American Indian Studies under Wisconsin Act 31, which requires K–12 schools to teach and learn about the histories, cultures, and tribal sovereignty of American Indian Nations of Wisconsin. In addition, the program oversees initiatives related to American Indian Language and Culture Education to support Indigenous education.
Program staff:
- Offer training opportunities for educators
- Present at conferences and professional workshops
- Develop and distribute educational materials and resources
- Provide consultation on topics related to American Indian Studies and the education of Indigenous students
- Serve as a liaison to the following:
David J. O’Connor finds personal reflection and storytelling essential to learning about Wisconsin’s First Nations
As the Education Consultant for the DPI American Indian Studies Program, David J. O’Connor works with educators to support their understanding of the histories, cultures, and tribal sovereignty of American Indian Nations of Wisconsin.
For more information about the work David J. O’Connor does with educators, please see the following articles from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt:
- 4 National Native American Heritage Month Activities & Lesson Plans (2022)
- Q&A: How to Teach Indigenous Peoples' Day (2022)
- Infusing Multiple Narratives in History Classrooms: Native American Studies (2021)
American Indian Students and Items of Religious and Cultural Significance
On April 8, 2026, Governor Tony Evers signed Wisconsin Act 222, to create 118.335 of the statutes; relating to: pupils wearing traditional tribal regalia at a graduation ceremony or school-sponsored event.
- March 2026 Letter (State Superintendent Jill Underly)
- May 2024 Letter (State Superintendent Jill Underly)
- May 2022 Letter (State Superintendent Jill Underly)
- May 2019 Letter (State Superintendent Carolyn Stanford Taylor)
- September 2017 Letter (State Superintendent Tony Evers)
As noted in each letter, DPI hopes that schools and districts use this as an opportunity to review their policies and engage with the sovereign Tribal Nations of Wisconsin in their region.
If you have any questions about any of the letters shared above, please feel free to contact David J. O’Connor, Education Consultant for the DPI American Indian Studies Program, at david.oconnor@dpi.wi.gov or (608)267-2283.
Upcoming Events
Local, Regional, State, and National Events Related to American Indian Studies & Education
A variety of local, regional, state, and national organizations host conferences, meetings, webinars, training workshops, and other programs that may be of interest to those working in American Indian Studies or in the education of Indigenous students. These professional development opportunities range from webinars and one-day trainings to week-long programs. The events listed under the Icon or in the Calendar of Events section above provide detailed information for anyone interested in participating.