The Department of Education’s mission is to provide learners of all ages access to a variety of high-quality educational opportunities. The department hopes to enhance the pride, culture, and expectations of all Band members. Commissioner of Education "vacant" oversees the department.
The Band helps provide its members of all ages with a variety of educational opportunities through Head Start/Early Head Start, academics, extracurricular activities, scholarships,and Ojibwe language and cultural programming.
Wewinabi Early Education
Head Start, Early Head Start, and day care services are available for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers ages 0-5 in District I. Districts II and III offer Early Head Start and Head Start to children ages 0-5.
Early Education
Mille Lacs Early Education (MLEE)
Mille Lacs Early Education (MLEE) provides Head Start and Early Head Start and daycare services for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers aged 6 weeks to 5 years in District I– III. Comprehensive services, including educational, mental health, and health screenings, are offered.
Nay Ah Shing Schools
Nay Ah Shing Schools (NASS) offers education for grades K-12. The North Central Association accredits NASS, which meets all criteria established by the state of Minnesota. The mission of Nay Ah Shing Schools is to teach the Ojibwe language, culture, tradition, history, and skills for living in two cultures. For enrollment and program questions, please get in touch with our Principals.
Nay Ah shing
Alternative Learning Program Oshki-Maajitaadaa
Oshki-Maajitaadaa program provides a variety of alternative learning program opportunities for students who may struggle with a traditional school setting and need high school credit recovery. Depending on the age and circumstances of the student, they may qualify for part-time or full-time enrollment. The program is designed
for students who can be successful in a more independent learning environment.
Ge-Niigaanizijig Program
The Ge-Niigaanizijig Program is a comprehensive after-school mentoring program with four main components or pillars: culture, community, career, and education.
Ge-Niigaanizijig
The Education Department employs youth mentors for students in kindergarten through sixth grade.
Aanjibimaadizing
The Aanjibimaadizing Program, which is part of the Department of Administration, employs teen mentors to work with students from grade 7 through 24 years of age.
Aanjibimaadizing
For more information or to enroll your student, call the Aanjibimaadizing office at 320-532-7407 or 800-922-4457.
Minisinaakwaang Leadership Academy
Is a Private School in the D2 area serving K-12.
Mille Lacs Band Scholarship Program
The Mille Lacs Band Scholarship Program provides financial aid to all Band members and first generation descendants as they pursue their educational goals and rewards them financially when they achieve those goals. This program is not intended to replace other forms of financial aid and requires students to apply for FAFSA.
For more information, see Scholarships.
Scholarships & Awards
Vocational, technical, college, and university students can apply for book scholarships, tuition, and other educational fees. The application and forms are available at Scholarships.
Educational Enrichment
Band members of all ages can apply for Educational Enrichment funds to attend educational classes, school-based activities, cultural activities, and community education classes. Some restrictions apply. Applications are available online at Scholarships.
Academic Achievement Awards
Academic Achievement Awards are given upon completing various levels of education, from high school to graduate school. Applications are available online at Scholarships.
Ojibwe Language & Culture Program
The Ojibwe Language & Culture Program integrates the Ojibwe language into the K-12 curriculum at NASS and offers instruction on Ojibwe cultural activities, such as ricing, netting, trapping, and maple sugaring. The program also works with community elders through the Elder Advisory Team. During the summer, an immersion program is offered for all students.
21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC)
The 21st CCLC program provides after-school and summer enrichment activities for grades K-12. Most activities are at the school, but some activities, like field trips and experiential learning, may occur off-site. A variety of programming takes place throughout the year. For more information, contact Dallas Hecimovich.
American Indian Parent Advisory Council (AIPAC)
The AIPAC advises the Nay Ah Shing School and helps ensure that all students receive culturally relevant and equitable educational opportunities. AIPACs are critical to the achievement and success of American Indian students, and their input and knowledge are vital to strengthening district and parent partnerships. Contact the American Indian Parent Coordinator for more information about joining and getting involved.
ANISHINAABE COLLEGE
Anishinaabe College (formerly Mille Lacs Tribal College) is located at the District I Community Center. The college offers post-secondary classes through a collaborative partnership with Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College. Please contact the MLBO Higher Education Office at 320-532-4795 to register. For information on course schedules and tuition, visit fdltcc.edu
Family Activity Nights/FAN
Parents and children participate in activities to improve their educational and parenting skills. Family Activity Nights (FANs) allow children, families, and community members to engage in fun activities designed to support positive interactions and relationships. Each FAN has a theme and is held quarterly. Some FANs include the Royalty Pow-wow, which celebrates children and MLBO culture. Movie Night is also an event used to begin discussions about feelings and Mental Health awareness.
Family Activity Days/FAD
Family Activity Days are held monthly and are open to parents and families of MLEE children who want to spend time with their children in the learning environment. MLEE team members plan monthly events that support topics about health and safety, child development, and fun activities to share with children and their families. MLEE regularly plans a monthly Pipe ceremony and a monthly children’s pow-wow that includes an invitation to families and the community. The end of the school year finds families and the community celebrating the Head Start graduates, along with an end-of-the-year carnival full of fun and engaging activities.
Time with Child Program
The Time with Child Program grants Band employees three hours of paid leave each month to spend time with their children in school.
Parent Store
Parents who volunteer their time by attending MLEE Parent Policy meetings, parent activity days and nights, working in the classroom, or performing other activities earn “parent bucks” to use in the Parent Store. The store features household goods, personal care products, and children’s toys and games.
Head Start Parent Policy Council
The Parent Policy Council is a vital component of the MLEE. Parents, caregivers, and community members meet monthly to review data and ongoing services provided to children and families. During these meetings, the Policy Council reviews the Director’s Report, Fiscal Reports, Information Memorandums sent by the Office of Head Start, and program grant applications. The Policy Council provides guidance and direction about the
program and the children's and staff's needs.
Public School Outreach Program
The Mille Lacs Band of the Ojibwe Department of Education is a federal contractor for the Johnson O’Malley Program. MLB partners with public schools, which then become subcontractors for JOM Funds. In the fall and spring, the Mille Lacs Band hosts training for partner schools to review the process and understand program guidelines and due dates.
American Indian Parent Advisory Committees (AIPACs) are integral to our partnerships with public schools. We will collaborate with the Minnesota Department of Education of Indian Education for local training. These trainings occur in the Fall and Spring and are opportunities to empower the parents of students in the public schools.
The passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) provides unique opportunities for states, districts, schools, and tribes to work together to strengthen education for Native students through the country. Meaningful consultation will assist in building relationships and enhancing support systems to bridge the gap between educators and tribes so that we may increase academic success and cultural understand for Minnesota’s American Indian students from pre-K through 12th grade. ESSA consultations are conducted every fall and spring.
Higher Education
The Mille Lacs Band of Higher Education Office (MLBHEO) was established to assist enrolled members of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and their children in pursing their education goals. Members who successfully obtain their degrees, diplomas, or certificated may also receive financial awards. This program is not intended to replace other forms for financial aid.
Rutledge Immersion Grounds
Rutledge was initially established as a site for Mille Lacs Bands’ tribal language and cultural initiative. The immersion grounds facility has a commercial-sized kitchen, an indoor classroom, and sleeping quarters for up to 14 individuals. The grounds also have five three-season cabins, campsites for large groups, campsite shower facilities, and several miles of trails for teaching in an outdoor classroom. The facility is available for MLB programs and partnerships with state tribal groups. Please get in touch with the following individuals for more booking information.