Title VI - Native American Education

Native American Teacher Leader

Tara Tindall, Native American Teacher Leader, oversees the Native American Education Program, as well as the Elementary and Secondary Education Title VI Program, which serves MMSD students of American Indian descent, from 4K to grade 12, to meet their unique cultural and academic needs in order to meet state testing standards.

Title VI Programming works in close collaboration with the Title VI Parent Advisory Committee for Title VI and Native American programs in the district, and collaborates with MMSD teaching staff around American Indian curriculum to comply with Wisconsin Act 31 requirements. 

(608) 663-8456
tltindall@madison.k12.wi.us

Quick Note:  Parents, always remember you are your child's first teacher, and family engagement makes an incredible difference in your children's lives.  Your student's teacher is as close as the nearest phone, computer or a note you can send with your child each day.  The Title VI Program is always looking for tutor volunteers as well, so if you or you know someone interested in becoming a volunteer tutor, please complete the volunteer enrollment process here. Additionally, if interested in serving as an LTE Tutor, submit a resume to tltindall@madison.k12.wi.us to start the process.

Research shows reading to your child, even before they are born is a valuable way to enrich their vocabulary and reinforce your loving bond, especially when done on a routine basis, for example, reading a bedtime story as a nightly ritual. 

Regarding adolescence, your teen needs love and support more than ever at this critical time of life, this transition time as your family prepares for the independent years ahead.

Existing as an Urban Native has its unique challenges, one being intergenerational trauma where previous generations have experienced Forced Removal, Indian Residential Schools, Urban Relocation, foster home placement, and possibly "adopting out" as described in the November 2018 MMSD Native American Newsletter. 

Despite previous generation's negative experiences within the public education system, along with a variety of social, economic and psychological issues; Urban Native parents are overcoming these barriers and becoming more involved, pursuing goals of graduation and college for future generations. 

See the following links for additional information and as you commit your child to school now held virtually, each day, hold close the cultural ties passed down from the ancestors, which can significantly boost your child's identity and self-esteem.

The Title VI Parent Committee Handbook

The Ways

Wisconsin First Nations

Debbie Reese's Blog on books by American Indian authors, etc.

Tribal Food Sovereignty

Natives in an urban area, also known as Urban Natives, can have its ups and downs. It can mean life is fun, exciting and there are always things to do, people to visit and places to be, but sometimes it can be challenging, especially when you feel as if you are the only Native in your school. This is why each high school has an opportunity to participate in the Native American Student Association (NASA) and each school has an advisor.  If you do not know who it is, contact your school counselor.  Having that support is critical and this can serve as a valuable volunteer opportunity for you. Each NASA may also plan fun events, such as field trips and community service projects. This year we started an All School NASA meeting and focused on College Readiness.  Look for future meetings and opportunities to make a difference.  The United National Indian Tribal Youth (UNITY.Inc) provides leadership skills and opportunities for peer mentoring, if a NASA student would like to join.  

Another opportunity to get in touch with your Native culture is Culture Classes, which are usually held twice a year for six weeks and you can learn how to do beadwork, leather work, sewing applique and ribbon shirts, weaving and more. Maintaining the Native culture relies on oral tradition, which means passing stories down from one generation to the next, so one day, it will be your turn to pass stories down and now is the time to listen and learn.  Here is an animated example of the Hopi Origin Story.  Always remember to honor the sacred stories by heeding any tribal customs attached, for example, the Ho-Chunk can only tell origin stories when the snow is on the ground.  If you know someone willing to be a storyteller, contact Tara Tindall at tltindall@madison.wi.us.

If you are planning to attend college, community involvement is crucial, as is writing your admission letter, which can help you earn scholarships to ease the transition and financial strain.  

Here are a few resources which can always be added to:

• American Indian College Fund
• American Indian Graduate Fund
• Native American and Tribal Grants
• Fastweb Search