Schoolcraft Learning Community: A Unique Educational Journey Rooted in Culture and Innovation
Schoolcraft Learning Community, a K-8 charter school located near Bemidji, Minnesota, offers a distinctive educational experience. The school's commitment to cultural awareness and innovative learning methods creates a rich environment for its students. This article explores the history, curriculum, and unique aspects of Schoolcraft Learning Community.
A Visit from Dennis Banks: Connecting History and Education
In May 2004, Schoolcraft Learning Community welcomed Dennis Banks, a co-founder of the American Indian Movement (AIM). Banks' visit, originally reported in the print edition of Charter Vision, was at the invitation of eighth-graders Simone and Elaine. These students were studying the Wounded Knee Occupation of 1973 and surrounding events. Banks, a key figure in the 1973 events, provided invaluable firsthand insights.
The morning of the visit began like any other day, with Kent Nerburn, Elaine Fleming, and Scott Gill from E.L.O.B. meeting with the students. As the students sat in a circle, waiting for Dennis Banks to arrive, a hush fell over the room when he entered. Elaine broke the silence with a greeting in Ojibwe, "Boozhoo" ["Hello" in Ojibwe]. Elaine and Simone presented Banks with tobacco in an abalone shell, a traditional gift. In return, Dennis gave Elaine wild rice and he gave Simone chokecherry syrup from his house/company in SugerPoint.
During his visit, Banks shared details of his life, including his experiences as a child. He was born on the Leech Lake Reservation on April 12, 1937, and his mother was full Chippewa. He recounted being taken from his family at age four to attend a boarding school run by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (B.I.A.). These schools forbade nearly all aspects of Native American culture, including native languages. Banks attempted to escape six times and was punished each time. He finally succeeded in escaping and returned to his parents eleven years after being taken to the school.
Banks also spoke about his time in the Air Force, where he initially enjoyed the structure, which reminded him of boarding school. However, his views changed when he witnessed orders to shoot protesters at an airbase expansion demonstration. After leaving the military, Banks faced legal troubles and was jailed for burglary after stealing groceries from a local store.
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He discussed his involvement in AIM activities, including the 1968 Alcatraz occupation, the 1972 Trail of Broken Treaties caravan to Washington D.C., and the Wounded Knee Occupation of 1973. The 71-day occupation at Wounded Knee led to felony charges against Banks and AIM co-founder Russell Means, though these charges were later dropped. In 1975, Banks was convicted on riot charges related to the Custer Courthouse Incident that led to Wounded Knee (1973).
The eighth-grade students found Mr. Banks’ visit to be a truly moving classroom experience. The impact of a visit from and discussion with such a significant firsthand witness to historical events proved to be a high impact event in the student’s lives. Some students felt a daylong tension, hoping that nothing would be said to offend Mr. Banks. The existence of this tension points out the fact that there remains a distance to go, to achieve true reconciliation between Native Americans and the white population.
Celebrating Indigenous Culture
Schoolcraft Learning Community emphasizes the importance of celebrating Native American culture. Minnesota’s Indigenous People’s Day may not be until Oct. 9, but Schoolcraft Learning Community in Bemidji is observing the holiday early. In fact, Schoolcraft Learning Community marked the occasion, with participation from all grade levels. Parents also played a vital role in planning and organizing the day’s events.
According to Schoolcraft Learning Community Director Adrienne Eickman, the goal is to “empower Native American students to share more about their traditions and their culture.” Fourth-grader Evan Treuer expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “I liked it because I am Native American, and also it’s pretty cool.”
Flexible Learning Options for Today's Students
Schoolcraft College, while a separate institution, shares a similar commitment to meeting the needs of today's learners. Schoolcraft College understands the needs of today’s learners and offers flexible schedule options, including online and hybrid programs and courses. Since 1982, Schoolcraft Distance Learning has designed and delivered innovative online learning. Schoolcraft Distance Learning offers 15 associate degrees and certificates 100% online, nearly 20 associate degrees and certificates 75% or more online, and over 125 accelerated and full-semester online and hybrid courses. Some online courses, known as Open Educational Resources (OER), use free or low-cost materials.
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A Commitment to Lifelong Learning
Both Schoolcraft Learning Community and Schoolcraft College recognize that learning is a lifelong journey. Whether you’re interested in gaining new skills for work, learning a new language or improving your health, we can help. We hope to see you in person in our warm and welcoming classrooms and facilities, but if you’d rather learn from home, that’s OK, too.
Important Information for Prospective Students
To secure your spot and keep your chosen schedule, complete one of the following within 3 business days, including holidays, from when you registered: Submit full payment Confirm Financial Aid is finalized and ready Enroll in a payment plan Why is this important? Failing to complete one of these steps could lead to being deregistered from your classes. Ready to finalize? Head over to the 'Payment Options' or 'Financial Aid' cards in Ocelot Access for more information and to complete the process. Register now for face-to-face, hybrid, online and synchronous classes in 7-, 12-, and 15-week formats. Need help? Visit schoolcraft.edu/answer-center. For class dates, check the Academic Dates webpage.
In response to COVID-19, Schoolcraft College reserves the right to change the learning modality of select PPL classes.
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