Improving the Native American narrative in Minnesota schools
Launched in 2019 by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC), Understand Native Minnesota was a multifaceted strategic initiative and $5 million philanthropic campaign focused on Native American narrative change in Minnesota’s schools. The campaign aimed to improve public attitudes toward Native Americans by incorporating greater awareness and sensitive treatment of Native Americans, along with accurate information about their history, culture, and modern tribal governments into Minnesota’s K-12 education system.
Understand Native Minnesota campaign: By the Numbers
- $2.6 million in grants to directly support new K-12 programming and classroom resources.
- $1.1 million in campaign projects.
- $1.15 million awarded to the University of Minnesota to develop and offer an Indigenous Education for All online course, free to the public.
- 48,000+ books by Native authors donated to Minnesota schools to put authentic voices directly in the hands of learners.
- More than 800 educators received free trainings at Understand Native Minnesota educator academies.
Advancing Knowledge Through Original Research
As part of the campaign, the SMSC commissioned and published groundbreaking resources to support educators:
- Restoring Our Place: An analysis of Native American resources used in Minnesota’s classrooms, examining which curricular resources and professional development programs are used in the state’s elementary and secondary classrooms and the most pressing needs for new resources.
- A Guide to Reliable Native American-Related Teaching Resources, a first-of-its-kind guide offering vetted tools for accurate and respectful classroom instruction.
- The Minnesota Native American Essential Understandings for Educators guide, developed in partnership with the Native Governance Center, equipping teachers with critical knowledge about Native peoples and tribal governments in the state.
Investing in Educator Development
This campaign prioritized hands-on learning and support for educators:
- Hosted four free Educator Academies, reaching over 600 teachers and administrators with high-quality training on teaching Native subject matter.
- Funded the creation of a new course, “American Indian Studies for Teachers,” at the University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts to deepen teacher understanding of Native history and culture.
Presented the Native Minnesota with Rebecca Crooks-Stratton podcast, celebrating Native culture, personalities, and accomplishments while dispelling common myths and misconceptions about Indigenous peoples.