30th Annual Wisconsin American Indian Studies Summer Institute
Dates: Monday, July 20, 2026 - 12:00 p.m. to Friday, July 24, 2026 - 1:00 p.m.
About the Summer Institute
The annual Wisconsin American Indian Studies Summer Institute is an active, highly participatory, week-long workshop designed to increase participants’ understanding of issues related to the histories, cultures, and tribal sovereignty of the American Indian nations and tribal communities in Wisconsin.
The goals of the summer institute relate to both American Indian Studies and the education of Native American students. The summer institute aims to improve teaching and learning and to enrich student services, resulting in becoming more culturally responsive. Participants will learn how to adapt or develop new techniques best suited to their unique circumstances.
Who Should Attend?
- District Administrators and Principals
- Classroom Teachers
- Curriculum Specialists, Directors of Instruction, and Library Media Specialists
- School Counselors, Social Workers, and Psychologists
- Cooperative Educational Service Agencies (CESA) Administrators and Staff
- Tribal, Community, and School Liaisons (Home-School/Title VI/Johnson O’Malley Coordinators and Staff)
- Tribal Education Directors and Staff
- Head Start and Preschool Staff
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College and University (especially Schools of Education) Students, Faculty, and Staff
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Library and Musuem Staff
Activities and Programming
Workshop sessions use a variety of teaching methods and provide opportunities for both presenters and participants to share information, resources, best practices, and model programs. Rich discussions allow everyone to share their insights and reactions.
Perhaps most importantly, participants will have the opportunity to work in small groups to develop an action plan with access to a variety of resources to teach others what they have learned. Events will include a celebration of the relationships we have made and the things we have learned at the summer institute.
Agenda and Daily Activities (Tentative and Subject to Change)
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Welcome, Opening, and Introductions
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American Indian Studies (Wisconsin Act 31)
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Introduction to Histories, Cultures, and Tribal Sovereignty of American Indian Nations and Tribal Communities of Wisconsin
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Large Group Discussion
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Understanding Tribal Sovereignty and Treaties
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Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa History and Culture
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Breaking Down Misconceptions, Misunderstandings, and Myths
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Film and Discussion
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Large Group Discussion
- Community Tour - Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
- Identifying and Evaluating Resources to Support Native Studies
- Responsive Teaching for Self-Determination
- Building Community Partnerships and Relationships
- Development of Action Plan Statements and/or Related Project
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Finalize Action Plan Statements and/or Related Project
- Large Group Discussion
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Closing and Next Steps
Staff and Presenters
Our staff and presenters come from a variety of academic and personal backgrounds. These individuals serve as resources and mentors, and they assist in facilitating daily small and large group sessions designed to help participants process what they have learned and develop an action plan that extends their learning to others.
Registration
To register for the summer institute, please go to the following link: 30th Annual Wisconsin American Indian Studies Summer Institute
Registration: 30th Annual Wisconsin American Indian Studies Summer Institute
Website: CESA 12 - 30th Annual Wisconsin American Indian Studies Summer Institute
Registration Fee
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Early Bird: $350 per person if registered by Friday, June 5, 2026
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Regular: $400 per person if registered by Monday, July 13, 2026
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Late Registration: $450 per person after Monday, July 13, 2026 or on-site
Due to the nature of this event, registrations for only a portion of the summer institute are not available. Daily agenda and activities will be available soon. Please continue to check the event website for updated information. Space is limited, so please register early.
Note: This institute will meet statutory license stipulations for “Wisconsin American Indian Tribes and Bands”, which is often referenced as American Indian Studies (Wisconsin Act 31). Individuals will need to attend each day during the summer institute along with completing additional instructional assignments that will discussed at the conclusion of the summer institute.
Location
Contact
David J. O’Connor, Education Consultant (American Indian Studies), Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction; david.oconnor@dpi.wi.gov or (608) 267-2283
Eva M. Kubinski, School Administration Consultant, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction; eva.kubinski@dpi.wi.gov or (608) 266-2899
Missy McCorison, Administrative Assistant/Program Assistant, CESA 12, Missym@cesa12.org or 715-685-1835