Indigenous Integration
The SPPS Legacy of Leadership
Saint Paul Public School (SPPS) that has long been the 'spearhead' of Indigenous integration in Minnesota. While the state recently mandated Indigenous Education for All (IEFA) in 2023, SPPS has been the primary architect of this movement for decades. Our district didn't just wait for state standards; we defined them by becoming the first in the region to launch Indigenous AVID, bridging the gap between cultural identity and college readiness. We led the way in policy reform as the first major district to pass a formal Smudging Policy, recognizing it not just as a ceremony, but as an essential tool for student mental health and belonging. From developing the Indigenous Inclusive Lessons that are now models for the Minnesota Department of Education to our pioneering American Indian Studies courses, SPPS has proven that culturally responsive curriculum is the key to academic excellence.
SPPS Achievements
- The 2022 Smudging Policy: This was a massive win. It moved smudging from "permitted in secret" to a recognized school-wide practice for wellness.
- Indigenous AVID: SPPS was a national leader in adapting the AVID elective to include Indigenous pedagogy—focusing on relatability alongside rigor.
- Dual Language Pathways: SPPS supports Ojibwe and Dakota language revitalization efforts that go beyond simple vocabulary, focusing on the "worldview" contained within the languages.
- Staffing Models: Having dedicated Indigenous Curriculum TOSAs as a specific structural choice SPPS made to ensure that "integration" isn't just a buzzword, but a coached, daily reality.
- Indigenous Integration provides lessons and resources across content areas to meet Minnesota State Standards that specifically mention Anishinaabe and Dakota people.
Here is a document for teachers to use when presenting American Indian Standards
Here is an updated poster of the document for teachers to use when presenting American Indian Standards.
Elementary Indigenous Integration
Smudging is now a protected Indigenous cultural practice in all SPPS buildings. View the linked lesson that explains what smudging is and why some students request smudging at school: Smudging in SPPS: We Smudge Here.
Honoring Our Indigenous Community Through Ongoing Learning: Drop Everything and Read Indigenous year-long Literacy Campaign (including literacy resources for Indigenous Peoples' Day, Native American Heritage Month, Traditional American Indian Storytelling, MMIR, and American Indian Month in Minneapolis
Middle & High School Indigenous Integration
Smudging in SPPS: We Smudge Here Lesson about smudging. Smudging is now a protected Indigenous cultural practice in all SPPS buildings. This lesson explains what smudging is and why some students request smudging at school.
Honoring Our Indigenous Community Through Ongoing Learning: Drop Everything and Read Indigenous year -long Literacy Campaign (including literacy resources for Indigenous Peoples' Day, Native American Heritage Month, Traditional American Indian Storytelling, MMIR, and American Indian Month in Minneapolis
Resources for Staff
In 2023 the State of Minnesota passed the Indigenous Education for All Act and requires districts throughout the State of Minnesota to embed Indigenous Teachings into all curriculum. Indigenous Ed. For All Legislation
Teacher Preparation for Indigenous Ed. for All MN Native American Essential Understandings for Educators
Native American Teaching Resources
Indigenous Issues Schoology Course - PowerSchool Course #: 21404 This course includes five modules including Assimilation, Sovereignty, US Policies, Indian Education, and Indigenous Issues Today. Participants will be provided with two clock hours in Cultural Proficiency (P6 - American Indian Students).
Additional Indigenous Teachings Schoology Course - PowerSchool Course #: 53320 Section #: 90318 This course will provide 2 clock hours in Cultural Proficiency (P6 - American Indian Students).
Land Acknowledgement Guidance Creating statements to acknowledge the ancestral homelands of Indigenous people has gained popularity. When creating a statement, remember to include a "call to action." For more information, please review the material from the Native Governance Center or here.