Celebrating Culture and Connection With Our American Indian Education Coordinator

Meet Nell Barri, American Indian Education Coordinator for School District 197. Nell is a member of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe and has been making an impact on our school community since she joined our team last year. We’re thrilled to share more about Nell and her important work in our district.

"It’s so rewarding to see our Native students see themselves represented within their schools and classrooms, as well as our non-Native students being able to learn and experience cultures different from their own.”

Nell Barri

Hands-On Learning in the Classroom
Ensuring there is Indigenous representation throughout the school district is vital to Nell’s role of supporting our Native American students. During her monthly visits to elementary schools, she shares Minnesota’s Indigenous heritage and history and enhances classroom lessons with cultural insights. Nell often discusses topics like wild rice harvesting, bringing hands-on items like knocking sticks, a mini birchbark canoe, and wild rice for students to explore. One of her favorite activities is reading The Jingle Dancer by Cynthia Leitich Smith, followed by introducing a real jingle dress for students to touch and admire—a highlight that sparks excitement and curiosity in the classroom.

Fostering Community and Culture Outside the classroom 
Nell organizes monthly community engagement events that cover topics like learning and playing cultural games, having drum and dance, and traditional storytelling. Nell also participates in our schools’ cultural events, contributing and performing at many of them. Additionally, Nell facilitates the monthly meetings of the district’s American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC). This committee provides vital input to ensure the district offers culturally relevant and equitable educational opportunities for its Native American students.

Supporting Secondary Students Based at Two Rivers High School
Nell works individually with Native American students in grades 9-12, building meaningful connections in her office where students can check in, do homework, or engage in cultural projects. She also organizes culturally relevant federal student loan nights and college tours. This year, Nell launched the Native American Student Group, encouraging students to take charge of the group’s direction and impact. She hopes to start a similar group at the middle school level in the future.

School District 197 Educational Equity Coordinator Kevin Sheridan shares, “I am so grateful for the passion Nell brings as our district’s first American Indian Education Coordinator. Every day, she makes a difference— advocating for our Native students and families while being an invaluable resource for our staff.”