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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.

News

Check out our Calendar of Parent Committee Meetings and Events on the right-hand side of the page >>>

__________________

Title VI Parent Committee Election - March 25th, 5pm-7pm!

Location: District Services Center (DSC)
709 Portia Johnson Drive, Duluth, MN 55811


Nominate a Parent/Guardian Today!

Click Here to Nominate Someone for the Title VI Parent Committee!

JOM Bylaws Amendments:

Previous

Amended march 11th

AMERICAN INDIAN EDUCATION STAFF

Office

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 Education Clerical
Grey Black
melanie.black@isd709.org
(218)336-8700 x1034
 

American Indian Home
School Liaisons (AIHSL)
 

Area Learning Center
Pao Vang
pao.vang@isd709.org
Monday-Thursday
 

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

Denfeld High School - 
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

 

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

Committee Meetings

 
Can't attend any of our Parent Committee Meetings?
Join us virtually!
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: Click Here
Or dial: ‪(US) +1 315-801-9794‬ PIN: ‪527 151 226‬#
More phone numbers: Click Here
​
AIPAC / JOM / TitleVI Meeting Transcriptions & Info -
Click Here
AIPAC Meeting Dates
Click Here

*Need to update your student's information to accurately show they are American Indian?


--Contact any of your regular school-site clerical staff or feel free to reach out to our office by email at: melanie.black@isd709.org

Calendar of Meetings & Events

Calendar RSS Feeds Subscribe to Calendar Alerts
Johnson O'Malley (JOM) Parent Committee Meeting - 5pm-7pm at Denfeld HS, Cohort Classroom #1206
-
Meeting at Denfeld High School Cohort Classroom #1206 from 5pm-7pm
All of our American Indian parents/guardians, students, community and staff are welcome to attend and take part in our meetings!
Our meetings are open to the public and all are welcome!

Links to Documents & Info Provided During the Meeting:
JOM Agenda for March 12th, 2026
Previous Meeting Minutes


JOM BYLAWS



JOM Letter by LS - Was sent out to 2 people and no response has been received by our office.

Process for JOM Certification of Eligibility Forms






Can't attend? Join us virtually!

Google Meet joining info
Video call link: CLICK HERE
Or dial: ?(US) +1 315-801-9794? PIN: ?527 151 226?#
More phone numbers:
CLICK HERE
?

AIPAC / JOM / TitleVI Meeting Transcriptions & Info - CLICK HERE
Read More about Johnson O'Malley (JOM) Parent Committee Meeting - 5pm-7pm at Denfeld HS, Cohort Classroom #1206
Title VI Parent Committee ELECTION
-
709 Portia Johnson Dr, Duluth, MN 55811, USA
Title VI Parent Committee ELECTION being held at the District Services Center (DSC), 709 Portia Johnson Drive, Duluth, MN 55811 from 5pm-7pm.
Read More about Title VI Parent Committee ELECTION
American Indian Parent Advisory Committee Meeting 4:30pm-6pm Denfeld HS Cohort Classroom
-
Denfeld High School, 401 N 44th Ave W, Duluth, MN 55807, USA
Come join us for our AIPAC Meeting on April 1st, from 4:30pm to 6pm at Denfeld High School, in the Indigenous Cohort Classroom Room#1206

All of our American Indian parents/guardians, students, community and staff are welcome to attend and take part in our meetings!
Our meetings are open to the public and all are welcome!

Ongoing AIPAC Agenda document
AIPAC Bylaws


Can't attend? Join us virtually!

Google Meet joining info
Video call link: CLICK HERE
Or dial: ?(US) +1 315-801-9794? PIN: ?527 151 226?#
More phone numbers:
CLICK HERE
?

AIPAC / JOM / TitleVI Meeting Transcriptions & Info - CLICK HERE
AIPAC Meeting Dates: CLICK HERE
Read More about American Indian Parent Advisory Committee Meeting 4:30pm-6pm Denfeld HS Cohort Classroom
American Indian Parent Advisory Committee Meeting - 4:30pm-6pm at Denfeld HS Cohort Classroom#1206
-
Denfeld High School, 401 N 44th Ave W, Duluth, MN 55807, USA
Come join us for our AIPAC Meeting on May 6th, from 4:30pm to 6pm at Denfeld High School, in the Indigenous Cohort Classroom Room#1206

All of our American Indian parents/guardians, students, community and staff are welcome to attend and take part in our meetings!
Our meetings are open to the public and all are welcome!

Ongoing AIPAC Agenda document
AIPAC Bylaws



Can't attend? Join us virtually!

Google Meet joining info
Video call link: CLICK HERE
Or dial: ?(US) +1 315-801-9794? PIN: ?527 151 226?#
More phone numbers:
CLICK HERE
?

AIPAC / JOM / TitleVI Meeting Transcriptions & Info - CLICK HERE
AIPAC Meeting Dates: CLICK HERE
Read More about American Indian Parent Advisory Committee Meeting - 4:30pm-6pm at Denfeld HS Cohort Classroom#1206

American Indian Education Funding

 

AIE State Aid:

 

Title VI federal grant funding

What is Title VI?

 

Johnson O'Malley (JOM)federal funding

What is Johnson O'Malley?

FORMS

Johnson O'Malley

Johnson O'Malley (JOM) Form
(Certification of Eligibility Form)

Allowable Expenses List accepted by the JOM Parent Committee

Johnson O'Malley Reimbursement Request Form
(Johnson O'Malley Request For Services Form)
District Reimbursement Form (MUST BE COMPLETED FOR ANY REIMBURSEMENT)

Title VI

Title VI Form
(the ED506 Form)

 

**Please turn in ALL forms to the American Indian Education department.