American Indian culture is unlike any other, but too often it’s a culture that gets lost in the school system. In Osseo School District 279, the Indian Education Program works with American Indian students to help them through school and set them up for success in life.
The program aims to produce proud American Indian students who understand their heritage, and it prepares them to be successful in higher education and beyond.
Each spring, American Indian students take part in the American Indian Education Day and Wacipi to celebrate their heritage. The event features artisan exhibits, cultural demonstrations, food, and a variety of booths and information sessions. The goal of the day is to educate the public about Minnesota Indian history.
Also in the spring, graduating seniors in the District 279 Indian Education Program are honored with a blanket celebration. Students are wrapped in a Pendleton blanket, which signifies warmth, love and admiration. Blankets are a traditional sign of honor in American Indian culture; most of the students in the Osseo district are Ojibwe.
We spoke to two seniors graduating from the Indian Education program this spring, and learned more from them about what makes their culture special.
Shyannah Bisek
Senior, Maple Grove High School
What makes the American Indian community special?
It feels good to be a part of the community because it makes me feel different than others and [honored] to be Native American. It’s a really cool culture to be a part of.
What is your favorite memory from school?
Being a part of the Native American Indian program and going to different colleges and meeting other people who are Indian.
What does the spring blanket celebration mean to you?
The blanket celebration means a lot to me, because not many people know that I am Indian because there are not many of us out there.
Plans after graduation?
I plan on going to college to study counseling.
What would you like everyone to know about you and your heritage?
I would like everybody to know that I am White Earth Ojibwe Indian. I am not Mexican; having dark tan skin is my culture. I will always continue knowing and celebrating who I am!
Sierra Fineday
Senior, Osseo High School
What makes your community special?
It is special just because there are not a lot of Native Americans in the area. People have a bunch of stereotypes in their head, and it is enriching to not be one of the stereotypes.
Your favorite memory from school?
Being the District 279 princess. The princess is a leadership position [that spends] a year traveling around to different Pow Wows around the nation.
What about the spring blanket celebration?
I’ve been looking up to the kids who do it because it is a way to show that we’re being praised for our good work and academics. It’s special to me because it shows all my hard work.
Plans after graduation?
In June, I’ll take a summer class at Iowa State. I’d like to study forensic pathology.
What would you like everyone to know about you and your heritage?
The values that we have are incorporated into our everyday lives. It’s not a religious culture. It’s a spiritual culture, and we incorporate our beliefs into everything.
