HistoryJoseph K. Lumsden Bahweting Anishinaabe School opened first as a 100% tribally operated, and controlled school, with the entire student population Native American or First Nations students. Elders and tribal leaders realized a significant need existed to revitalize the language and culture as well as provide a safe and nurturing environment for tribal youth in education. The combination of efforts was realized in 1993 and shortly after the school applied to become a Charter school with Northern Michigan University. The Charter School application process required J.K.L. to prove their uniqueness and need. The school applied to 'use the Anishinaabe Language and Culture to teach the academic curriculum'. NMU approved the application on the basis we integrate the Anishinaabe Language and Culture into our curriculum while meeting academic requirements.
It is important, in our school, to remind ourselves of this history each year. We want to keep the vision of the elders and tribal leaders fresh in our minds. Joseph K. Lumsden, especially, envisioned a school where kids would be able to learn their Anishinaabe Language and Culture along with their academic content. We strive to bring their vision into the future by keeping our history, language, and culture alive. Below are more resources to learn about the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and the Anishinaabe people of the Great Lakes. There are also links to learn more about general treaty history, rights, and education (specifically boarding school resources). Each of the sites have many more resources and we encourage anyone to explore them as well. |