American Indian Studies Program

American Indian Studies Program

Aaniin / Aho / Bozho / Koonamansi / Pōsōh / Shekóli

Greetings or hello in Ojibwe / Ho-Chunk / Potawatomi / Mohican / Menominee / Oneida

The American Indian Studies Program exists primarily to assist with the implementation of the curricular requirements in the areas of American Indian history, culture, and tribal sovereignty. The program is also responsible for American Indian Language and Culture Education.

Program staff:

Provide training opportunities
Present at conferences and workshops
Develop and disseminate materials
Provide general consultation on issues related to American Indian Studies and the education of American Indian students
Serve as liaison to tribal education departments, Wisconsin Indian Education Association (WIEA), and Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council (GLITC), and Special Committee on State-Tribal Relations

American Indian Students and Items of Religious and Cultural Significance

The following is a letter that was sent in September 2017 that addresses an issue that has come up repeatedly in conversations with tribal nations: American Indian students being prohibited from wearing items of religious and cultural significance.

As noted in the letter, it is our hope that schools or districts take this opportunity to review their policies and reach out to the sovereign tribal nations near them.

If you have any questions about the letter above, feel free to contact David O’Connor, American Indian Studies Consultant, at david.oconnor@dpi.wi.gov or (608)267-2283.

2018-2019 Applications for American Indian Language Revitalization Grants

The biennial budget reauthorized and appropriated the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) American Indian Language Revitalization grants at $222,800 for 2018-2019. These grants are to be distributed on a competitive basis to a school board, consortium of school boards, CESA, or Head Start agencies who partner with a tribal education authority or government. Funds may be used for language activities related to providing instruction in one or more tribal languages as curricular or co-curricular offerings including, but not limited to, curriculum design, creation of appropriate assessment instruments, professional development activities, language-focused parent and community engagement activities, instructional delivery, and program evaluation.

Application materials can be downloaded at https://dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/forms/doc/f9930.doc and are due Wednesday, August 15, 2018. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction anticipates issuing eight to 12 grant awards of up to $35,000. Consortium applications may exceed these projected amounts.

For more information, please contact:

David J. O'Connor

Education Consultant, American Indian Studies Program

Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

Telephone: (608) 267-2283

Email: david.oconnor@dpi.wi.gov

Upcoming Events

Local, Regional, State, and National Events Related to American Indian Studies & Education

There are a variety of local, regional, state and national organizations that sponsor conferences, meetings, and trainings that may be of interest to those working in the area of American Indian studies or education. These professional development opportunities range from one day to a week long, the items listed on the icon or the Calendar of Events section above provide a rich diversity of events and opportunities for those interested in this work.

Local, Regional, State, and National Events Related to American Indian Studies & Education

7/22/18

Positive Youth Development in Indian Country Workship

7/23/18

Positive Youth Development in Indian Country Workshop

7/23/18

Ho-Chunk Indigenous Arts and Sciences (IAS)

For questions about this information, contact David O'Connor (608) 267-2283