Native American mentor urges district support and a smudging policy as program secures concurrence for 2026
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Summary
Yolanda Dorslohy updated the board on Native American programming, cultural trips and curriculum, reported the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee voted to concur for the 2026 school year, and asked the district to develop a smudging policy; she cited state and federal funding amounts.
Yolanda Dorslohy, the district’s Native American mentor, delivered an emotional informational update on the American Indian education program and recommended continued district support for culturally based activities and a smudging policy.
Dorslohy recounted recent trips (Pipestone National Monument and Jeffers Petroglyphs), cultural instruction across grades, regalia-making classes and family events such as sugarbush and Mille Lacs visits. She said the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee “did vote in favor of concurrence for the 2026 school year.”
Dorslohy cited program funding levels: “Our state funding is $64,000 this year, and our federal funding is $10,000 this year.” She said families have scaled back some events because fear stemming from immigration enforcement has reduced student attendance; the program plans a safe April trip to Mille Lacs and other spring activities as capacity allows.
She asked the board to develop a formal smudging policy so cultural practices can be accommodated in school settings; the board expressed appreciation and asked staff to follow up. The superintendent confirmed staff had reviewed required statutory paperwork for concurrence and that the committee vote was documented.
Dorslohy framed her remarks around the district’s equity statement and affirmed goals of raising academic outcomes for American Indian students, noting 12 consecutive years of 100% graduation for that group in Columbia Heights. Board members thanked her for the report and for representing families’ concerns.
