Shinik Nation representative says tribe was not invited to student Algonquin-language recognition; district told state will increase tribal supplemental funds

A Shinik Nation education representative told the board she was surprised and hurt that tribal representatives had not been invited to a student’s recognition for earning a seal of biliteracy in an Algonquin language, a milestone the representative described as especially significant for a community working to reclaim its language.

"I am greatly disheartened that we did not know, we did not get officially invited to this monumentous occasion and we missed it," Denise Williams, who identified herself as director of education for the Shinik Nation, said during public comment. She asked the district to improve outreach and to include tribal elders and council members in future ceremonies.

Separately, Assistant Superintendent for Business Jean told the board the New York State Office of Indigenous Education had indicated supplemental funds would increase from $85,000 to $99,000, an additional $14,000 retroactive to the 2024–25 year, once the contract is fully executed. Jean also reminded the board that the state reportedly owes the district about $11 million in outstanding state aid; she said the district’s accountants need those funds to reconcile the current fiscal picture.

Williams said tribal community members had worked for years with district staff on language curriculum development and that the omission was a missed opportunity for community recognition and participation; she asked administrators to use direct contact channels to ensure tribal representation at future events.

Next steps: district administration will follow up with Williams and tribal representatives and will monitor contract execution with the Office of Indigenous Education to finalize supplemental fund disbursement.