American Indian Education
The mission of the American Indian Education program is to meet the unique linguistic, cultural and academic needs of our American Indian learners. We work to accomplish these goals by facilitating culturally responsive learning opportunities in order to make positive impacts on educational outcomes. We believe every student’s culture and identity are sources of strength. Our work is to uplift American Indian learners by creating learning experiences where traditions, language, and classroom learning come together. These connections help students see themselves in what they learn, build confidence in their abilities, and reach their highest potential—while staying rooted in who they are.
Funding for the program comes from the Federal Government’s Title VI Indian Education Grant, MDE's American Indian Education Aid in addition to District 196's Achievement & Integration, IDEA Special Education and the General Operating Funding.
The following FREE services are offered to District 196 students enrolled in the American Indian Education Program:
- Cultural & Linguistic Enrichment Learning Opportunities
- College and Career Readiness
- Free ACT Prep Courses
- Progress Monitoring & Academic Advocacy
- Academic Coaching
- Student Leadership Groups
- Field trips and other experiential learning opportunities
- Family Engagement Events
- Early Childhood Readiness Programming
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 American 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 American Indian Education staff.
Contact us
Silver Bell Learning Center: 2120 Silver Bell Rd; Eagan, MN 55122
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.
2025-2026 American Indian Education Smore Newsletters
- September: Orange Shirt Day
- November: Thanksgiving Resources / Rock Your Mocs
- December:
- January:
- February:
- March:
- April:
- May:
American Indian Smore Newsletters Archives
Educational Supports
Teacher Resources
Ojibwe and Dakota Culture Trunk Check Out: https://forms.gle/cZ95xqWUasBrGfae7
Native American Authored – Lending Library:
Located at Silver Bell Learning Center in the American Indian Education Classroom (Room 230). Please arrange a time to stop by and view the book collection.
Questions? Call 651-423-7890 or email lisa.turgeon@district196.org
Our Team
Lisa Turgeon
American Indian Education Program Coordinator
Lisa.Turgeon@district196.org
Office: 651-423-7890
Melissa Loch
Cultural Family Advocate
Melissa.Loch@district196.org
Cell: 612-244-7197
Assigned Schools:
Diamond Path, Woodland and Highland
On Call: Pinewood, Shannon Park & Deerwood Elementary
TBD
Cultural Family Advocate
Cell: 612-244-0974
Assigned Schools:
Cedar Park, Parkview, Southview, Echo Park
On Call: Thomas Lake and Glacier Hills
Katie Smith
Cultural Family Advocate
Katie.Smith@district196.org
CELL: 612-497-6812
Assigned Schools:
Rosemount HS, Rosemount MS, Falcon Ridge MS, Scott Highlands MS and Emerald Trail Elementary
On Call: Rosemount Elementary
Rachael Theis
Cultural Family Advocate
Rachael.Theis@district196.org
CELL: 612-991-2741
Assigned Schools:
Area Learning Center, Eagan HS, Dakota Hills MS, Black Hawk MS, East Lake, Westview
On Call: Northview, Red Pine and Early Childhood Education
Jorja Valandra
Cultural Family Advocate
Jorja.Valandra@district196.org
Cell: 651-200-8327
Assigned schools:
Apple Valley HS, Eastview HS, School of Environmental Studies, Valley MS of Stem, Greenleaf, Oak Ridge
On Call: Dakota Ridge, ABE, Trans+
Megan Bard-Pankow
Academic Coach and American Indian Education ACT Prep Instructor
Megan.Bard-Pankow@district196.org