Wisconsin DPI, Menominee Nation agreement: Education, not assimilation
, 2023-01-25 05:06:47,
KCHINA – When Ron Korn Sr. graduated from high school in 1977, he said he was among the last generation of Indigenous children in Wisconsin schools that actively attempted assimilation into non-Indigenous culture.
“I was probably at the end of assimilation,” he said, “as they tried to take that part of us that is Menominee.” “It is gratifying and informative that our seniors have maintained our methods, for many of them under great distress.”
Now, as Chairman of the Board Menominee Nation In Wisconsin, Corn this month signed an agreement with the state to ensure that not only will there be no attempts at assimilation again, but there will be support for teaching indigenous culture in schools.
He and Dr. Jill Underley, executive director of the Wisconsin Department of Public Education, signed a memorandum of understanding Jan. 23 in Kishina.
“It’s not just a memorandum of understanding, it’s also support,” Underley said. “Support comes only after understanding.”
The agreement ensures regular consultations and meetings between state education officials and the Menominee Nation, which operates its own school district on reservation.
The agreement also states that DPI will support the tribe in cultural outreach, education, and trauma-informed care through mental health services and financial assistance.
Cultural awareness education also includes the state supporting the tribe in efforts to revitalize the Menomine language.
The tribe began to immerse themselves in the language…
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