Oki,
The Tribal Relations and Resiliency Unit is expanding. The American Indian Student Achievement Unit will be joining our team and we will become the Tribal Student Achievement, Relations, and Resiliency Unit. A long name with great energy around it. There is much to do with our work and coming together is always a good thing.
We were invited to participate in the Blackfeet Education Committee where we met the stakeholders of education at the district, college, community, and tribal levels. This a huge step in working together and supporting the needs of our youth. The resources available to those in attendance will bring a wealth of support and assistance in the educational journey of the students. We look forward to continued work in each one of our Tribal Nations.
Language and Culture
Kahée (Men’s greeting in Crow) everyone! We’re celebrating along with our colleagues at Montana Digital Academy in welcoming Crow language class to the growing list of language options. The Crow tribe also recently completed updates to their dictionary as well received an Indian Language Immersion Program grant in Hardin!
Our team has hit the road and will continue on down the hi-line as we engage in tribal consultation. We will be checking in with the community and school leaders in Rocky Boy, Havre, and Fort Belknap communities next month. There is a buzz stirring about the growing movements across Montana to revitalize our heritage languages with authenticity and in a respectful manner. Many tribes are developing their own language standards and benchmarks while we at OPI are also updating our World Language Standards.
Many teachers are digging into the languages, finding resources, and developing projects to help students do the same in their buildings. The tribes have also kicked off the 10th year of the Montana Indian Language Program (MILP) grant work with many more great opportunities for Montana students on the horizon. There is also a growing buzz around the increasing need for Class 7 certification across the state. We here in the Tribal Student Achievement, Relations, and Resiliency Unit are standing by to help with your Language and Culture questions!
Pinamaya everyone.
Matt Bell
matthew.bell@mt.gov
Mental Health and Wellness
Crystal Hickman presented to the Tribal Caucus earlier in the month. Sharing the efforts we've brought around student holistic and mental health supports. Crystal has been working with school districts and tribes in circle work. From restorative to relational circles and how to build a healthy relationship of safety and support. There is good traction and relationship development in coordination with existing mental health programs within OPI along with our community resources.
Youth Leadership
The RISE group is moving in an exciting direction as more schools become involved. A Tribal Youth Conference is in discussion, which will be youth-led and youth designed. Basketball is in full force as well and we send good luck to each of the communities during this exciting time!
Contact info for our Youth Coordinators:
Alicia Doney, Tribal Youth Coordinator at alicia.doney@mt.gov
Anna Marsicano, AmeriCorps Planning Grant Coordinator at anna.marsicano@mt.gov.
The OPI is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation, require an alternate format, or have questions concerning accessibility, contact the OPI ADA Coordinator, 406-444-3161, opiada@mt.gov, Relay Service: 711.
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