American Indian Education

During the last weekend of April, we host our annual ISD 279-Osseo Area Schools Powwow. The traditional powwow features dancers, drum groups and community members from many Indigenous nations. 

Osseo Area Schools Indian Education classes utilize experiential learning and are centered on strengthening the identity of the Indigenous child.

Our bi-weekly drum and dance program allows families to step into the circle and learn through movement. Local community experts educate families about the teachings and protocol around our drum and various dances. During the winter, families spend the weekends creating regalia for our annual powwow in April. Watch this video from an April 2016 event. 

The Native American Medicine Garden features a variety of medicinal and edible plants indigenous to Minnesota. The turtle shaped garden is arranged according to plant teachings within the medicine wheel.

• Minnesota Humanities Center video: "Native Nations of Minnesota"
• Minnesota Humanities Center Learning From Place: Bdote (event information to gain clock hours)

During the winter months, community experts teach our students and families about various Indigenous lifeways. We offer Dakota and Ojibwe language tables to those interested in learning the first languages of Minnesota.