American Indian Education Program

The program strives to increase academic achievement, increase the graduation rate, and improve the school climate of American Indian students through culturally responsive instruction and respect for values and traditions. The program’s intentions are: 

• To assist American Indian students in meeting the challenging academic standards.
• To support ISD 197’s  mission and assist in closing the achievement gap.
• To supplement and enrich the academic programs with culturally specific learning resources for American Indian students.
• To allow parents, community and students a meaningful role in program planning.

It is state and federally funded with special monies available to school districts that are dedicated to working with parents and families to meet the unique educational and cultural needs of American Indian students. School districts in Minnesota can apply for these both state and federal funds on an annual basis. 

These funds are exclusively used to execute the American Indian Education plan and help fund a full-time American Indian Education Coordinator position that supports and benefits our students. Here are some high level areas in which the funding is used:

• Support for Instruction: We work with teachers and schools to develop culturally relevant and engaging curriculum resources for instruction and student support. We provide professional development opportunities for staff on supporting Native students, best practices, and culturally responsive teaching.
• Support for Family Involvement: We provide resources and opportunities throughout the year, connecting parents to educational opportunities and parent engagement events.
• College Readiness: We provide students with resources and opportunities for college planning and academic preparedness. We meet with students in groups and individually, facilitating college field trips, and assisting with financial aid and the college enrollment processes.
• Advocacy for Families: We are dedicated to offering support and guidance to ensure that every student feels heard and empowered in their educational journey.
• Programs, Events & Clubs: Native students may participate in Drum & Dance classes, field trips, cultural events, Native Student Groups, and student and family celebrations.

If you have questions or want to get involved, please email americanindianed@isd197.org.

Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.78, requires that all Minnesota districts and tribal schools with 10 or more American Indian students have an American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC). These committees serve in an advisory role to the district and help ensure that American Indian students are receiving culturally relevant and equitable educational opportunities. The committee is a valuable component in the pursuit of achievement and success for American Indian students districtwide. 

AIPACs must be primarily parents or guardians of American Indian students within the district. Other eligible committee members include American Indian secondary students, American Indian district staff, and American Indian community members. Additionally, family members of American Indian students, such as grandparents or older siblings, are also eligible to serve on this committee. Non-Native district staff may participate in the AIPAC meetings, but they are not permitted to be voting committee members, and should not be included on the AIPAC roster. 

The AIPAC would love to have more family and community voices on the committee as the role of the AIPAC is an important one, providing valuable input in assisting the school district in how best to support students. If you are the parent or relative of an American Indian student in School District 197 and are interested in serving on the committee or helping in our efforts and joining AIPAC, please email americanindianed@isd197.org.

2025-2026 Meeting Schedule (all held at the District Office with a hybrid option):

• September 17, 2025 | 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
• October 30, 2025 | 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
• November 13, 2025 | 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
• December 11, 2025 | 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
• January 8, 2026 | 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
• February 12, 2026 | 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
• March 5, 2026 | 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
• April 9, 2026 | 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
• May 14, 2026 | 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.

Alternative option:
If you’re unable to attend the scheduled meetings, you can also connect with Nicole McMahon, AIPAC Chair, on Zoom from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. on scheduled meeting dates to catch up on meeting details, ask questions, or share concerns. For meeting links or more information, please email americanindianed@isd197.org.

American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC) Bylaws

For School District 197 (West St. Paul–Mendota Heights–Eagan Area Schools)

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Article I: Name and Purpose

Section 1: Name
The committee shall be known as the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC) of School District 197 (West St. Paul–Mendota Heights–Eagan Area Schools).

Section 2: Purpose
The purpose of AIPAC is to support efforts to meet the unique educational and culturally related academic needs of American Indian students so that they can meet state academic achievement standards. The committee:

• Serves in an advisory capacity to School District 197.
   
• Ensures educational equity and cultural relevance for American Indian students.
   
• Oversees, advises, and evaluates programming under Title VI.

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Article II: Mission & Vision

Mission
To build meaningful relationships through family and student engagement within the school and community while improving Native student achievement, retention, and graduation rates through culturally responsive instruction and respect for values and traditions.

Vision
American Indian students are empowered to reach their full potential through educational experiences that honor and uplift their cultural identities.

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Article III: Legal Foundation

• Minnesota Statute 124D.78 requires an AIPAC in districts and tribal schools with 10 or more American Indian students.
   
• Title VI Indian Education Act of 1972 provides funding and structure for programming aimed at meeting the distinct cultural and academic needs of American Indian students.

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Article IV: Duties & Responsibilities

The AIPAC for School District 197 will:

1. Identify culturally related academic needs of American Indian students.
    
2. Develop and approve goals and plans for the American Indian Education Aid.
    
3. Oversee and approve the Title VI grant application, budget, and reports.
    
4. Monitor grant and program implementation to ensure compliance and effectiveness.
    
5. Recommend improvements and new initiatives.
    
6. Collaborate with district administrators, staff, and community stakeholders.
    
7. Meet regularly throughout the school year.
    
8. Maintain transparency in actions and spending.

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Article V: Committee Structure

Section 1: Eligibility
Committee members may include:

• Parents or legal guardians of American Indian students (majority).
   
• Community members with a vested interest in American Indian education.
   
• School District 197 staff (at least one).
   
• Secondary student representative(s) (recommended but optional).
   

Section 2: Composition & Size

• A minimum of 3 members.
   
• Majority must be American Indian parents/guardians.
   

Section 3: Elections & Terms

• Annual elections, held at the beginning of the school year.
   
• Terms are for one school year, with re-election possible.
   

Section 4: Vacancies & Removal

• Vacancies are filled by a majority vote of the committee.
   
• Members or officers may be removed by majority vote for cause, with advance written notice.

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Article VI: Officers

Officer Roles:

• Chairperson: Assists the American Indian Education Coordinator in creating agenda and leading monthly meetings, signs official documents, liaises with School District 197 staff. Chair will attend all AIPAC meetings and possibly additional meetings with school district staff throughout the year as needed.
   
• Vice-Chairperson: Assumes Chair’s duties in their absence.
   
• Secretary: Records minutes, handles notices, maintains attendance and documentation.
   
• One Officer must sit on the district’s Curriculum Advisory Committee to represent the American Indian students in the district.

Officer Election & Terms:

• Officers are elected by majority vote annually.
   
• Officers begin their roles immediately upon election.
   
• Vacancies are filled by committee vote and serve out the remainder of the term.

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Article VII: Meetings

• AIPAC shall meet at least six times during the academic year.
   
• Additional meetings may be scheduled as needed by the Chair, American Indian Coordinator, or majority of the committee.
   
• A quorum is a simple majority of active members.
   

Meeting agenda typically includes:

1. Noting Meeting Attendance
    
2. Old Business & Updates
    
3. New Business
    
4. Reports (committee, coordinator, district staff, etc.)
    
5. Open Discussion
    
6. Adjournment
    

Meetings may be held in person, virtually, or at a mutually agreed-upon location within School District 197 facilities or platforms.

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Article VIII: Bylaws and Amendments

• Bylaws will be reviewed and ratified annually.
   
• Amendments require a three-fourths (3/4) vote of the full committee.
   
• No amendment may violate federal law, Title VI regulations, or School District 197 policies.

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Article IX: Ratification

These bylaws become effective upon approval by a majority vote of the committee and acknowledgment by School District 197 leadership. Amendments or full rewrites must be documented and signed accordingly.

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Signature Page

Approved on the ______ day of ______________, 2025, by the AIPAC and School District 197 (West St. Paul–Mendota Heights–Eagan Area Schools) representatives:

• _____________________________, AIPAC Chair
   
• _____________________________, AIPAC Vice-Chair or Secretary
   
• _____________________________, Title VI Indian Education Coordinator
   
• _____________________________, Superintendent or Educational Equity Coordinator
   

_____________________________, School Board Representative (if applicable)

Here is a list of recommended Native American book titles. ISD 197 American Indian students have the opportunity to receive Native authored books, such as these, each year. 

Picture Books

Wisdom Weavers: Explore the Ojibwe Language and the Meaning of Dream Catchers by James Vukelich Kaagegaabaw

Josie Dances by Denise Lajimodiere

My Powerful Hair by Carole Linstrom

Jingle Dancer by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Mashkiki Road: The Seven Grandfather Teachings by Elizabeth S. Barrett

The Mishomis House: The Voice of the Ojibway by Edward Benton-Banai

All My Relatives (Indinawemaaganigag) by Storm Angeconeb

Mnoomin maan'gowing / The Gift of Mnoomin by Brittany Luby

Be a Good Ancestor by Leona Prince & Gabrielle Prince

Stitches of Tradition (Gashkigwaaso Tradition) by Marcie Rendon

The Naming of Aki by Thomas Peacock

The Strength of His Hair by Charlene Bearhead & Wilson Bearhead

Jo Jo Makoons by Dawn Quigley (Series)

 

Middle Grade

Apple in the Middle by Dawn Quigley

The Birchbark House by Louise Erdrich

Trickster: Native American Tales, a Graphic Collection by Matt Dembicki

Ancestor Approved by Cynthia Leitich Smith

I Can Make This Promise by Christine Day

We Still Belong by Christine Day

Gidjie and the Wolves by Tashia Hart

Mighty Muskrats Mystery (Series) by Michael Hutchinson

The Summer of the Bone Horses by Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve

Little by Little: You Can Change the World by Sonya Ballantyne

 

Teen / Young Adult

Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley

Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults by Robin Wall Kimmerer edited by Monique Grey Smith

The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline

Legendary Frybread Drive-In: Intertribal Stories by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Where Wolves Don't Die by Anton Treuer

Indiginers: Tales from Modern Indigenous Life by Alina Pete

Rez Ball by Byron Graves

A Snake Falls to Earth by Darcie Little Badger

The Summer of Bitter and Sweet by Jen Ferguson

The Misewa Saga (Series) by David A. Robertson

 

Adult

The Wolf's Trail by Thomas Peacock

Mni Sota Makoce: The Land of the Dakota by Gwen Westerman & Bruce White

Bead on an Anthill: A Lakota Childhood by Delphine Red Shirt

The Seven Generations and The Seven Grandfather Teachings by James Vukelich Kaagegaabaw

The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson

A Council of Dolls by Mona Susan Power

What Does Justice Look Like: The Struggle for Liberation in Dakota Homeland by Waziyatawin

A Child of the Indian Race: A Story of Return by Sandy White Hawk

All Nations Alliance for Minority Participation STEM Scholar

Allogan Slagle Memorial Scholarship

American Indian College Fund

American Indian Education Fund

American Indian Family Empowerment Program Fund

American Indian Scholars Program

American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)

American Indian Services College and Trade Scholarships

Association on American Indian Affairs Scholarship

Catching the Dream

Cobell Scholarship

Daughters of the American Revolution Scholarship, National Society

Ethel Curry American Indian Leadership Scholarship 

Indian Into Medicine (INMED)

Indian Health Services (IHS) Scholarship Program

Minnesota Indian Scholarship

Minnesota Indian Teacher Training Program (MITTP)

Minnesota Office of Higher Education 

Native American College Fair

Native Forward Scholars Fund

Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Endowed Scholarship

Udall Undergraduate Scholarship

University of Minnesota Dakota and Ojibwe Language Scholarships

University of Minnesota System Native American Promise Tuition Program

University of Minnesota American Indian Scholars Program

 

CLICK HERE for the Education 506 form.

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What is a 506 form? This form is required for students to be counted as American Indian students for federal funding in the district.

How does it work? To maximize the funds we can receive from the federal government, we report our American Indian student population based on completed 506 forms each spring. The more completed 506 forms, the more funds we receive to be used on our American Indian students’ education.

What’s the benefit? Some of these monies are used to fund American Indian cultural events and provide support to our high school students to ensure they graduate on time and are college and career ready. They also fund a full-time American Indian Education Coordinator that supports our students and the American Indian education plan. These funds are exclusively used to execute the American Indian Education plan which benefits our American Indian students.

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Options for turning in completed 506 Forms:

1. Scan or email it to our American Indian Education Coordinator, Nell Barri (nell.barri@isd197.org)

2. Drop it off at the District Office (1897 Delaware Avenue, Mendota Heights)

3. Return it to the main office at your child's school 

Questions? Concerns? Contact our American Indian Education Coordinator, Nell Barri (nell.barri@isd197.org)

MN Department of Education: American Indian Education

About American Indian Education Aid

American Indian Parent Advisory Committees

American Indian Organizations in Minnesota

American Indian Literature Resources

Indigenous Peoples Day Resources

Bdote Memory Map

Indigenous Digital Archive Treaties Explorer

Indigenous Peoples Day Resources

IllumiNative

Lessons of Our Land

Minnesota Center for Social Studies Education Dakota and Ojibwe Resources

Native Knowledge 360°

Ojibwe-Dakota in Minnesota

Understand Native Minnesota

Why Treaties Matter

American Indians in Children's Literature

American Indian Library Association

IllumiNative

Minnesota Historical Society Press

Mni Sóta Maḳoce Curriculum

National Indian Education Association (NIEA)

Native Governance Center

Native Skywatchers

Understand Native Minnesota