Aanin Oshki Ogimaag Community School Families and Community Partners,
On Thursday, March 20th, Michael Padgett, the Member Relations and Communications Director of the Minnesota Association of Charter Schools (MACS) came to visit Oshki Ogimaag. He brought with him a plaque celebrating Oshki Ogimaag’s 15th year as a charter school! There was an awards ceremony in the Fall, but Ms. James's didn’t want to be away from school as the school year was beginning, so she was not able to attend
OOCS being in operation for 15 years is no small feat. 1 in 4 charter schools close within the first 5 years they are open. Low enrollment is the most common reason for charters to close. At an OOCS Board Meeting this school year, Community Board Member, John Morrin, provided historical context of Oshki Ogimaag Community School, how it came to be and the Resident District school that existed prior. Mr. Morrin stated that the Grand Portage Community worked very hard to ensure that a school would continue to exist in Grand Portage after the Resident District closed the school. Mr. Morrin also came to Oshki Ogimaag to greet Mr. Padgett during his visit. Mr. Morrin and Ms. James met with Mr. Padgett and gave him a tour of Oshki Ogimaag.
The existence and resilience of OOCS is a beacon of light. At school, we often think of the words that Travis Novitsky spoke to us during his presentation at our Fall Workshops as we prepared for a new school year. Mr. Novistky spoke to us about Anishinaabe culture and history, with a focus on local history. He spoke of the attempted erasure of Anishinaabe culture, and he spoke the words, "We are still here.” These words echo in our minds as we make plans for Oshki Ogimaag Community School and serve our students and families. The same words are stated on the Gichi Onigaming Community page, “The Grand Portage Anishinaabe are strong and resilient. We call this place home, we are still here." As we carry out the mission of Oshki Ogimaag, we want these words to be resonant in the minds of our students with pride in their cultural identities and knowledge of Anishinaabe language and traditions that they will carry with them and share their cultural knowledge with others. We can only accomplish this in partnership with our families, Elders, and Community members.
We reflect on our mission, “To create a learning environment of excellence based upon traditional teachings. Roosted in Anishinaabe language and culture we will: Prepare students through hands-on, community-based projects to be lifelong learners that reach their personal and academic potential, preserve the Anishinaabe language and culture, and contribute to the wellness of future generations.”
There has always been barriers and challenges to having a school in Grand Portage. Yet, there has also always been strong Community supporters and dedicated individuals who passionately believe in the significant educational benefit and profound cultural impact that this school represents for the Community.
As we reflect on the history and resilience of Oshki Ogimaag, we extend our gratitude to all those who support this school continuing to be here for many years to come. Because of you - we are still here! Chi-miigwech!
Hands-On, Community-Based Projects Happening at Oshki Ogimaag
On Tuesday, the whole school spent the afternoon at Sugar Bush Camp to tap trees. Students placed asemaa down at their chosen trees to show respect and gratitude. It was a beautiful, warm, sunny day. The sap was flowing! We were joined by many Community members including Dr. Erik Redix, Erik Carlson, Tess Bailey, Daniel Deschampe, Robert James, and Educators from 1854 Treaty Authority. Each student, with adult support, chose their tree, drilled the hole, cleaned out the hole with a stick, inserted the spile into the hole by gently tapping it with a hammer, and attached their sap collection bags.
After students tapped their trees, they gathered around a campfire, sang songs in Ojibwe, had afternoon snack (Miigwech to Ms. Tess!), and enjoyed being out in the woods on a beautiful sunny afternoon surrounded by Community support. OOCS educators reflected on the beauty of spending a work afternoon in a sunny forest, participating in traditional cultural activities, with an abundance of Community participation and support.
Monday, April 07, we will spend the day at Sugar Bush Camp, all are welcomed to join us! See flyer below for details!
We have Intergenerational Yoga with Ms. Carly each week on Thursdays. Yoga sessions are 20 minutes long and work to support students with focus, attention, mindfulness, emotional regulation, and bodily awareness. Each session, Elders are invited to participate! See flyer below for details and reach out with any questions!
Susan Ferguson from North House Folk School, assisted by Ms. Kat, provides Woodworking classes after school on Wednesdays.
Mondays 3:30-4:30, Dr. Erik Redix is leading Ojibwe Language Table, located in the OOCS Conference Room! Join us to learn and/or increase your Ojibwemowin skills! See flyer below for details! Special Note: Dr. Redix has EXTENDED Ojibwe Language Table to go through Monday, May 19th!
Chi-miigwech to Dr. Redix, Mr. Erik Carlson, Ms. Tess Bailey, Mr. Daniel Deschampe, Mr. Robert James, 1854 Treaty Authority, Ms. Carly, Susan Ferguson and North House Folk School, & Ms. Kat!
Each Friday afternoon, the whole school joins together for hiking in the woods along trails, creeks, adventuring to different local areas in nature, including the shores of Gichigami. Forest Fridays are lead by our Environmental Education Coordinator, Ms. Jeana Van Dyne, and Forest Friday activities target meeting our Environmental Education goals with our authorizer, Osprey Wilds.
