Students urge more Indigenous representation as board proclaims Native American Heritage Month

A David Douglas High School student and district staff asked the school board to expand Indigenous representation in classroom curriculum, and the board responded by issuing a proclamation designating November as Native American Indian Heritage Month for the district.

Katie Manuel, an English teacher and equity co‑chair, introduced student presenters from the school’s Indian Student Union and described local powwow participation. Travis Miller, a sophomore and ISU representative who identifies with the Three Affiliated Tribes of North Dakota, told the board he has seen limited Indigenous content in district courses and asked for more native teachers, counselors and culturally relevant lessons so students can see themselves in the curriculum.

The board read a formal proclamation reciting that the district has 71 non‑Hispanic Native American/Alaska Native students and 582 students who self‑identify as Native American/Alaska Native across 53 tribes or bands, and citing the Native American Parent Advisory Council’s role in increasing family engagement. Chair Heather Franklin said she would bring Miller’s request to the high‑school principal to begin conversations about representation and possible course development.

Several board members reflected later in the meeting that state lessons under Senate Bill 13 (Tribal History/Shared History) are required and have been integrated at some grade levels, but that adding a stand‑alone Indigenous studies course would expand representation and provide opportunities for student voice. The board asked district staff to explore options and report back.