American Indian Education

The Indian Education Program serves American Indian students by developing their understanding and appreciation of their American Indian history and culture. Our vision is to assure students attain the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to realize their potential, meet the challenges of their life choices and fulfill their responsibilities as students grounded in Indigenous life ways.

The Indian Education Program, which is federally funded, is committed to working together with parents and families to meet the unique educational and cultural needs of American Indian students. Indian Education Program services include:

Culturally Relevant Activities and Field Trips
Academic Assistance and Tutoring
Monthly Culture Nights
Post-secondary Preparation
Special Education Team Support
Information on community resources (school activity funds, etc.)
Dakota and Ojibwe Language Tables
American Indian Research Rights Experience (AIRRE)
Spring Achievement Celebration
Annual Powwow
Provide culturally authentic materials and relevant lessons for classroom teachers (Cultural Trunk)

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Student Eligibility

An eligible American Indian person is one of the following:

A member of an Indian tribe or band, including those Indian tribe or bands terminated since 1940, and those recognized by the state in which the tribe or band reside.
A descendent in the first or second degree (parent or grandparent) as described in #1.
Considered by the Secretary of the Interior to be an Indian for any purpose.
An Eskimo or Aleut or other Alaska Native.
A member of an organized Indian group that received a grant under the Indian Education Act of 1988 as it was in effect October 19, 1994.

In order to apply for a formula grant under the Office of Indian Education, Robbinsdale Area Schools must first determine the number of American Indian students attending its schools by having those families fill out a 506 Form. Families are not required to fill out a 506 form; however, if you choose not to submit a form, the district cannot count your student for funding under the program. The 506 Forms will be kept with the Indian Education Program and are confidential.

Required Forms

Robbinsdale Indian Education Parent Committee

The Robbinsdale Indian Education Parent Committee is a dedicated group of parents, grandparents and caregivers of American Indian students. High school students are also encouraged to participate. The Parent Committee is comprised of at least two parents/caregivers, one teacher and one high school student.

American Indian parents are strongly encouraged to take an active role in their child's education through this committee. If you'd like to join the committee, please contact the American Indian Education team by calling 763-504-8066.

The Robbinsdale Indian Education Parent Committee meets several times throughout the school year at the Education Service Center. The committee works to ensure that planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of the operational and supplemental programs for American Indian students in Robbinsdale Area Schools. The committee serves as a vital link between the American Indian community and Robbinsdale Area Schools.

The Robbinsdale Indian Education Parent Committee is established in accordance with the Indian Education Act. The Office of Indian Education lists the Parent Committee Roles and Responsibilities.

Local Native American Tribes

Leech Lake: www.llojibwe.com
Red Lake: www.redlakenation.org
Bois Forte: www.boisforte.com
Mille Lacs: Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe
Fond Du Lac: www.fdlrez.com
White Earth: www.whiteearth.com
Grand Portage: www.grandportage.com
Shakopee: www.shakopeedakota.org
Lower Sioux: www.lowersioux.com
Upper Sioux: www.uppersiouxcommunity-nsn.gov
Prairie Island: www.prairieisland.org

Resources for Native American Culture and History

General Native American History

The Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, comprised of the Bois Forte, Fond du Lac, Grand Portage, Leech Lake, Mille Lacs, and White Earth reservations, is a federally recognized tribal government that, through unified leadership, promotes and protects the member Bands while providing quality services and technical assistance to the reservation governments and tribal people.

Aninishinaabe (Ojibwe) Culture and History

The Culture and History of the Oceti Sakowin (Dakota, Lakota)

Below is a listing of Dakota, Lakota, Nakota tribal agencies and reservations as well as links to history and culture.