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Native American parent advisory committee votes to concur on district program and outlines activities
Summary
The Columbia Heights Native American Parent Advisory Committee voted Feb. 5 to issue a concurrence for the district’s Indian education program; committee leaders described cultural activities, tutoring and powwow traditions and said 67 students from 11 nations participate.
Yolanda Doris Lowey, the district’s Native American mentor, told the Columbia Heights Public Schools board on Feb. 25 that the district’s Native American Parent Advisory Committee voted Feb. 5 to issue a concurrence for the district’s Indian education program and goals.
Lowey described program activities that include academic tutoring, cultural field trips (including visits to Mille Lacs Lake Indian Museum), powwow events tied to graduation, and an eagle-feather tradition at student celebrations. She said the committee is changing the local name from “IAPAC” to “Native American Parent Advisory Committee” to reflect preferred terminology while noting Minnesota Statutes section 124D.78 requires school districts with 10 or more American Indian students to maintain a parent advisory committee.
Lowey told the board the committee reported 67 enrolled Native American students this school year and representatives from 11 tribal nations. She said committee priorities are set by parents and that the committee will review the Indian education plan at the end of the year to confirm it meets student needs.
Board members thanked Lowey and committee chair Elena Wolfell for the presentation; Superintendent Stenvick and board members said they regularly attend PAC meetings and welcomed district staff, students and families to powwow events.
