American Indian Education

The American Indian Education Program is committed to working together with parents and families in order to meet the unique educational and cultural needs of students of American Indian heritage.

The goals and activities are determined with assistance and guidance provided by the District's American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC) as well as ongoing community needs assessments conducted by the program. If you are interested in joining the Parent Committee and/or learning more about the American Indian Education Program, please contact our office.

Who is eligible to participate?

Any student who self identifies as American Indian and is coded North American Indian on Infinite Campus is eligible to participate in the District’s American Indian Education Program. There is no cost to participate and all services are free of charge.

What is a “506 Indian Student Eligibility Certification Form?” 

506 forms are used to apply and qualify for a grant from the Federal Office of Indian Education. The form allows the school district to leverage funding to support American Indian students by providing programming, books and services.

Families are not required to fill out a 506 form to participate. However, filling out a form helps provide funding that make American Indian Education services and programming possible. 

Who is eligible to fill out a 506 form? Any student who is: 

  • an enrolled member of a tribe
  • has a parent who is an enrolled member of a tribe
  • has a grandparent who is an enrolled member of a tribe

If possible, please fill out the 506 Indian Student Eligibility Certification Form. This fully CONFIDENTIAL document allows the school district to leverage funding to support American Indian students and will be kept on file at the District’s Indian Education Office.

  • Family events 
  • Culturally specific activities for students and families
  • Checking and connecting with students in need at the secondary level
  • Access to supportive relationships
  • IEP support
  • Youth development activities
  • Life skills guidance
  • Lending library - all Native authors!
  • Postsecondary preparation
  • Community gatherings
  • Out-of-school programming
  • Culturally relevant professional development
  • Classroom resource support

The American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC) is a dedicated group of parents, grandparents and caregivers of American Indian children. High school students are also encouraged to participate.

The committee serves as a vital link between the American Indian community and Bloomington Public Schools.

For more information, please contact the Indian Education Office at 952-806-7954.

Current Parent Committee Members

  • Louis Garrett (Chair)
  • Carla Jackson
  • Jennifer Tangness
  • Student Representative: Veronica Jackson

2023-24 Organizational Meeting Dates

Monthly meetings are open to the community. Meetings take place at Pond Center at 6 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every month. All parents of American Indian children are welcome and American Indian high school students are encouraged to attend. Please join us!
 
AIPAC meeting dates for the school year:
  • Oct. 11
  • Nov. 8
  • Dec. 13
  • Jan. 10
  • Feb. 14
  • March 13
  • April 10
  • May 8

March 2024 Events


How to say "March" in Dakota and Ojibwe 

Dakota: Iṡta Wicayazaŋ Wi - Sore Eyes Moon 

Ojibwe: Onaabani Giizis - Crust on the Snow Moon


American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC) Meeting

Please join us for our monthly AIPAC meeting. High school students are encouraged to attend. 

When: Mar. 13, 2024. 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Where: Pond Early Learning Center, 9600 3rd Ave S, Bloomington, MN, 55420.

Family Night with Fern Cloud

Fern Cloud is a Dakota hide painter who uses bone brushes and natural dyes to convey symbolism and history on buffalo and deer hides. Join us to create your own miniature hide using tools and teachings from Fern. 

Where: Oak Grove Middle School Lunchroom 
When: March 15, 2024
Dinner from 5:30 - 6 p.m.
Activity from 6:15 - 8 p.m.

*This event is for our American Indian families enrolled in Bloomington Public Schools.

Register

Woman sitting at table with paint and animal hides.

Contact

Hiedi Hecker
American Indian Education Coordinator
952-806-7954
hhecker@isd271.org

Clarissa Seidl
American Indian Education Specialist
952-806-7953
cseidl@isd271.org

Marissa Johnson
American Indian Education Specialist
952-681-6284
mjohnson14@isd271.org

American Indian Education, ISD 271
Pond Center
9600 3rd Avenue South, Room 205B
Bloomington, MN 55420