American Indian Education
The mission of the American Indian Education program is to meet the unique cultural and academic needs of our American Indian learners. Our program explores the rich indigenous heritage, history and narratives of the many American Indian tribes, and strives to restore and promote the innovation and importance of the culture. Students across the district and at all grade levels participate in programming honoring American Indians.
Funding for the program comes from a grant under the Federal Government’s Title VI authorization and from the Minnesota Department of Education’s World’s Best Workforce initiative.
The following FREE services are offered to District 196 students enrolled in the American Indian Education Program:
- Cultural enrichment classes & events for students and their families
- Literacy enrichment for elementary students
- Field trips and other experiential learning opportunities
- Academic advocacy
- Middle School Mentorship Groups & High School Leadership Groups
- Academic Coaching for High School students (see below for more details)
- ACT Prep Courses (see below for more details)
- College and Career Readiness
Enrolling in the Program
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 District 196’s American Indian Education Program. There is no cost to participate and all services are free of charge. The services provided by the Indian Education Program are optional.
Title VI Indian Education Program
In order to apply for a formula grant under the Office of Indian Education/Title VI, our program asks for each student to have a 506 form on file with our program. The 506 form must be filled out by the legal guardian. All information is confidential. These forms generate program funding for your child and all the Native American students attending District 196. Title VI funding provides academic support and cultural enrichment opportunities for all District 196’s American Indian students.
Any student who fits one of the following qualifications is eligible to fill out a 506 form:
- Student is an enrolled member of a recognized tribe
- OR parent is an enrolled member of a recognized tribe
- OR grandparent is an enrolled member of a recognized tribe
Forms can be sent to any Indian Education staff.
Contact us
14301 Diamond Path
Apple Valley, MN 55124
Phone: 651-423-7890
Native American Parent Advisory Committee
Join the Native American Parent Advisory Committee (NAPAC)! The purpose of this group is to serve in an advisory capacity for planning and implementing programs and events that will support District 196 American Indian students and their families. NAPAC membership consists of parents and/or guardians of identified American Indian students attending District 196 schools, secondary student representatives and teacher representatives. Learn more about NAPAC.
2022-2023 Indian Education Newsletters
- October: Indigenous Peoples Day & Orange Shirt Day
- November: Native American Heritage Month & Indigenous Veterans
- February: Indigenous Star Knowledge
- March: Women's History Month
- April: Aki/Earth Day
- May:
- June:
Newsletter Archives
Educational Supports
Teacher Resources
Ojibwe and Dakota Culture Trunk Check Out: https://forms.gle/vsHJJCdZXLFb3QUo7
Native American Authored – Lending Library: Located at the District Service Center in the Curriculum Room. Please arrange a time to stop by and view the book collection. Online Destiny Quest access will be available soon.
Questions? Call 651-423-7890 or email Lisa Turgeon at Lisa.Turgeon@district196.org.
Our Team
Lisa Turgeon
American Indian Education Program Specialist
Lisa.Turgeon@district196.org
Office: 651-423-7890
Cell: 612-991-2741
Assigned schools:
- Eagan High School
- Black Hawk Middle School
- Dakota Hills Middle School
- Red Pine Elementary School
Francisca Stand Strong
Cultural Family Advocate
Francisca.StandStrong@district196.org
Office: 651-423-7935
Cell: 612-244-0974
Assigned schools:
- Rosemount High School
- School of Environmental Studies
- Rosemount Middle School
- Scott Highlands Middle School
- Cedar Park Elementary School
- East Lake Elementary School
- Highland Elementary School
- Parkview Elementary School
- Westview Elementary School
Joseph Mousseau
Assigned Schools:
- Area Learning Center
- Eastview High School
- Black Hawk Middle School
- Deerwood Elementary School
- Glacier Hills Elementary School
- Northview Elementary School
- Pinewood Elementary School
- Thomas Lake Elementary School
- Woodland Elementary School
Fonda Smith
Cultural Family Advocate
Fonda.Smith@district196.org
Office: 651-423-7882
Cell: 612-244-7197
Assigned schools:
- Rosemount High School
- Rosemount Middle School
- Diamond Path Elementary School
- Rosemount Elementary School
- Shannon Park Elementary School
Jorja Valandra
Cultural Family Advocate
Jorja.Valandra@district196.org
Office: 651-423-7912
Cell: 651-200-8327
Assigned schools:
- 196 Online/ ALC / Dakota Ridge
- Apple Valley High School
- Eastview High School
- Falcon Ridge Middle School
- Valley Middle School of STEM
- Echo Park Elementary School
- Greenleaf Elementary School
- Oak Ridge Elementary School
- Southview Elementary School
Megan Bard-Pankow
Academic Coach and American Indian Education ACT Prep Instructor
Megan.Bard-Pankow@district196.org