BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - A new position created by the Bismarck Public Schools aims to help Native American students better understand their culture.
Cultural Responsive Coordinator Travis Albers is making personal visits to classrooms in every elementary school, The Bismarck Tribune reported. There are more than 1,000 Native American students in the school system, representing about 50 tribes.
The district hosts events such as a field trip to the annual powwow at United Tribes Technical College, but Albers hopes to do more to expand the knowledge of culture and traditions within the school system.
Chadwick Kramer is a coordinator for the district’s office. He says Albers position is funded through a federal Title VI grant, which also finances the district’s Office of Indian Education.
Albers is an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. He was born on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota.
Albers said he’s found that his presence has helped some Native American students open up.
“As soon as I tell them I’m Native, they ask a lot of questions and I get comments from teachers like, ’Wow, that kid never talks,’” he said. “That means a lot to me, because I know they want to learn. I’m glad to be a part of that.”
The district hopes Albers position and other efforts will continue to embrace Native American students’ cultural backgrounds, according to the newspaper.
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Information from: Bismarck Tribune, http://www.bismarcktribune.com
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