Welcome
Welcome to the 20th Annual South Dakota Indian Education Summit!
The theme this year is "Building a Strong Future: Oceti Sakowin Woiyukcan." This event brings together educators, administrators, and community leaders to explore ways to enhance academic achievement and holistic growth for Native American students. The 2023 Indian Education Summit offers sessions on student success and well-being through interventions and resources, along with insight and experiences in art, history, and culture.
Presenters will offer practical tools and innovative strategies that educators can integrate into their teaching methods to help students achieve their full potential, both academically and in broader life contexts. The Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings and Standards (OSEUS) will also be highlighted, emphasizing a well-rounded education for all South Dakota students that respects cultural values and traditions.
The final day of the Summit is for K-12 students. Youth Day will include a variety of mini sessions on topics from Dakota and Lakota culture, including drumming and singing techniques, Oceti Sakowin activities, storytelling, ceremonies, traditional games, all about the buffalo, and Lakota star knowledge.
Thank you for joining us in our efforts to uplift and empower South Dakota’s educators and students.
South Dakota Office of Indian Education
2023 Summit Planning Committee
Brian Brown
Public School Representative
Norris Elementary School, Principal
Wóokiye Teacher
Erika Cerveny
SD Department of Tribal Relations, Office of Indian Education, Program Assistant
SD Indian Education Advisory Council, Council Secretary
Kara Condon
Tribal School Representative
Crow Creek Tribal School, MS Dakota Language Teacher
Wóokiye Teacher
Megan Deal
Public School Representative
Kennedy Elementary School, 2nd Grade Teacher
SD Indian Education Advisory Council, Public School District Representative
Dr. Cherie Farlee
Tribal Education Director, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe
SD Indian Education Advisory Council, Tribal Designee
Dr. Joseph Graves
SD Department of Education, Department Secretary
SD Indian Education Advisory Council, Ex-Officio
Dr. Sherry Johnson
Tribal Education Director, Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate
SD Indian Education Advisory Council, Tribal Designee
Marilyn Mendenhall
Tribal School Representative
Crow Creek Tribal School, K-12 District Librarian
Wóokiye Teacher
Steve Scares Hawk
Public School Representative
McLaughlin Public School, Elementary Lakota Language Teacher, Wóokiye Teacher
Jacqueline Sly
Retired Teacher
SD Indian Education Advisory Council, At Large
Fred Osborn
SD Department of Tribal Relations, Office of Indian Education, Director
Indian Education Advisory Board, Director
Elizabeth Quinn
Public School Representative
Stanley County Schools, HS Social Studies Teacher
Wóokiye Teacher
Brian Wagner
Tribal Education Director, Lower Brule Sioux Tribe
SD Indian Education Advisory Council, Tribal Designee