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American Indian Education

A side-by-side image showing two scenes of Native American cultural performances. On the left, a person wearing traditional regalia with geometric patterns in white, red, and gold performs a dance in front of a seated audience of children in winter clothing. On the right, two people are shown performing with traditional drums - an adult and a young boy in a red shirt who appears to be singing or chanting while playing a large hand drum.

Mission Statement

The American Indian Education Department of Duluth Public Schools is committed to supporting the academic achievement, cultural identity, and personal well-being of American Indian students. We strive to empower students through equitable access to culturally relevant education, meaningful community engagement, and strong partnerships with families and tribal nations. Our goal is to honor Indigenous heritage, foster resilience, and prepare students for success in school, career, and life.

Tribal Consultation

Tribal Consultation February 2026

American Indian Education values our partnership with the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Through regular tribal consultations, we work together to support Native students, strengthen family and community engagement, and ensure that educational opportunities reflect Indigenous perspectives, cultures, and priorities. This collaboration helps guide our efforts to create meaningful and culturally responsive learning experiences for American Indian students.

Visit Fond du Lac's website at:
https://www.fdlband.org/index.php

American Indian Parent Committees

Duluth Public Schools partners with three American Indian parent committees to support the success and well-being of Native students: the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC), the Johnson O'Malley Parent Committee (JOM), and the Title VI Parent Committee. These committees provide valuable guidance on how the district can best serve American Indian students through culturally responsive programming, academic support, and the thoughtful use of Federal, State and Local resources. Each plays a distinct role in shaping policies and programs that reflect the voices, needs, and priorities of our Indigenous families and community.

Minnesota State Statute

§ 273.116 Does an Indian Education Committee need to establish procedures and report to the BIE Director?
The Indian Education Committee and its members must establish procedures under which the Committee serves. Such procedures must be set forth in the Committee's organizational documents and by-laws.
(a) Each Committee must file a copy of its organizational documents and by-laws with the BIE Director, together with a list of its officers and members.
(b) The existence of an Indian Education Committee may not limit the continuing participation of the rest of the Indian community in all aspects of programs contracted under this part

Calendar

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STAFF

Coordinator of American Indian Education-
TBD--

For current questions regarding the Coordinator position, please refer to the Director of Equity Marisa Garverick Herrera at: marisa.garverickherrera@isd709.org

 

American Indian Home
School Liaisons (AIHSL)
 

Denfeld High School
Jean Paul (JP) Rennquist
jeanpaul.rennquist@isd709.org
(218) 336-8830 x 2321
Monday-Friday
 

Lowell and Myers-Wilkins
Jamie de la Cruz
jamie.delacruz@isd709.org
Monday-Friday
 

Lincoln Park
Dustin Christjohn
dustin.christjohn@isd709.org
Monday-Friday
 

Laura MacArthur and Stowe
Susanna Miller
susanna.miller@isd709.org
(218) 336-8900
 

Ordean East Middle School and
Duluth East High School
Anthony Bugg
anthony.bugg@isd709.org
(218) 336-8845 x2508
Mon. & Wed. - Ordean East Middle School
Tues. & Thurs. - East High School
Friday - Mornings at East HS and Afternoon at Ordean MS