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Resident praises Indian Education program, urges culture change and highlights past racism incidents
Summary
During public comment a resident commended Keeley Braceland and district efforts to honor Lakota students, described a recent feathering ceremony the resident called "quiet and beautiful," and reported past incidents of harassment and swastikas, urging the board to address school culture.
A resident and community member addressed the board during public comment to thank the district's Indian Education program and staff who organized a recent feathering and senior ceremony for Native American students. The speaker named Keeley Braceland (identified in the comment as the coordinator) and praised elders and community members who helped students understand the ceremony's significance.
The speaker described the ceremony as "a quiet and beautiful ceremony that honors native people" and said it gave students pride and helped them stand taller. The speaker also recounted past incidents of harassment at the district, including swastikas and students being targeted, and stated explicitly that "racism is still happening in our school." The comment called on the board to recognize that culture change must begin locally and to support staff who plan culturally appropriate events.
Board members thanked the speaker and asked that thanks be passed on to staff. No board response disputing the speaker's claims was recorded in the transcript; these were presented as a public comment and as community input for board consideration.
