Indigenous Parent Leadership Initiative

CURRICULUM

Knowing the importance of culture as both a protective factor as well as a healing factor, Dr. Anton Treuer with guidance from elders from both White Earth Nation and Red Lake Nation, created an Indigenous Foundations curriculum to accompany the National Parent Leadership Institute curriculum based on the cultural teachings of the Anishinaabe. This initiative is being offered through a cultural lens to acknowledge our Anishinaabe identity and the effects of historical trauma due to the boarding school era. By adding a ‘traditional teaching’ each week, the initiative supports the revitalization of Ojibwe values, teachings, language and a healthy traditional lifestyle for participants.

Parent Leadership Training Institute Curriculum (PLTI): Participants will receive two phases of training through the PLTI curriculum:

  • Phase I: A 10-week course on parent leadership and self-perception with a focus on voice, difference, personal, family and community strengths and needs. Participants discover their passion with purpose during this phase

  • Phase II: A 10-week study of how change occurs within educational, tribal, state, federal and local governments and systems. Participants learn how to navigate these systems to create change

  • A main component of the initiative is the “Passion with Purpose” Community Project. Each project is self-selected and engages our participants in practicing their civic and cultural teachings

Indigenous Foundations: Participants will receive a broad exposure to Ojibwe culture and an opportunity to incorporate that culture and its practices into their daily lives. The Indigenous Foundations curriculum is designed in four sections, each comprised of a season in the Ojibwe calendar. There are five classes for each season. The “hands on” part of the Indigenous Foundations curriculum is designed to equip participants with a relatable and practical introduction to their cultural toolbox. The goal is to provide participants with the knowledge to be comfortable about incorporating cultural activities in their daily lives and into their children’s daily lives and to carry on the traditions for future generations to come.

  • Spring: Starting a Cultural Journey

  • Summer: Growing in Your Culture

  • Fall: Maturing in Your Culture

  • Winter: Finding Wisdom.  

ADVISORY COUNCIL

The Advisory Council is a volunteer collaborative representing a community’s assets and is a decision-making body for the initiative. An Advisory Council is being established in the White Earth tribal community to help connect the community to the Indigenous Parent Leadership Initiative.  Advisory Council members will assist the Program Manager, Site Coordinator & Facilitators in carrying out tasks and various functions that will make the IPLI a success.

Some of these tasks may include:

  • Participate in routinely scheduled meetings

  • Inform the public of IPLI

  • Assist in recruiting and selecting parents and community members to participate 

  • Locate appropriate class sites

  • Mentor IPLI participants

Advisory Council members receive compensation for their attendance at all planning meetings.  If you would like to apply to be an Advisory Council member, please reach out to Beth@indigenousvisioning.com

PARTICIPANT ENROLLMENT

The IPLI is open to anyone who is interested in promoting well-being within their family structure as well as within the community.

This FREE 22-week program provides a meal, child care and a weekly stipend to participants who attend all levels of the initiative. Participants must apply and go through an interview process and commit to all 22 classes. Cohort 4 will begin in the White Earth Nation Fall 2025.

INDIGENOUS PARENT LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE
GRADUATES

Meet our White Earth Nation Graduates and read about their community projects here. Each project is self-selected and engages our participants in practicing their civic and cultural teachings.