Jefferson teacher urges Sioux Falls schools to integrate Indigenous culture through art

John B. Heeler, who identified himself by his Dakota name (Seize Within) and as an Oceti Sakowin Owa Onspe teacher, told listeners that integrating Indigenous culture into classrooms through art helps tether students to their ancestors and strengthens community ties. He spoke during a school program at Jefferson High School; the transcript does not indicate this was a school board meeting.

"Art is a part of our heritage, our culture," Heeler said. "Through the art, through that relationship with culture that we're really tethered to our ancestors." He described the program as offering "a seat at the table" for cultural expression in the public school setting.

Heeler said he begins his day teaching at Roosevelt before coming to Jefferson for additional classes, noting that the arrangement gives him direct contact with students across schools. He argued that schools should reflect the culture of the communities they serve and that doing so can nurture diversity and relational ties among students and families.

Heeler credited Jefferson and Roosevelt with work already underway to integrate culture and said the program promotes cultural inclusion in classroom activities. He emphasized that offering art and culture in school settings helps build connections between students and their community heritage.

The remarks in the transcript focus on classroom practice and cultural programming; no motions, votes, funding decisions or formal actions are recorded in the available text. The next procedural step was not specified in the transcript.