MIIN Ojibwe Educator Scholarship Fund
Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University (LCOOU) is excited to announce the creation of the MIIN Ojibwe Educator Scholarship. The Midwest Indigenous Immersion Network (MIIN) has committed to $13,875 to establish the fund supporting up to two $3,600 scholarships to selected students from the fund each semester.
MIIN is a Native American-led, Minnesota-based 501c3 dedicated to the revitalization of the Ojibwe and other indigenous languages. Our mission is to assist Ojibwe language programs in communicating and collaborating to collectively address common needs.
Eshkam igo giwiidookodaadimin nawaj weweni wii-mashkawendami’idiyang wii-gashkitooyang da-ganawendamang yo’ow gaa-pi-miinigoowiziyang, gidinwewininaan. Mii imaa ge-izhi’angwaa ingiw giijanishinaabeminaanig wii-ni-nitaawewaad gewiinawaa oniigaaniimiwaang.
To support their network, MIIN organizes and facilitates professional development opportunities, learning material creation, sharing and distribution, recruitment of staff and students, and the collection of educational data.
The scholarship will support students who have demonstrated an intent to attain a teaching license, with a focus on Ojibwe immersion education. LCOOU’s Elementary/Middle School Education Program will focus on preparing teachers, increasing Native American teacher retention rates in Wisconsin, increasing Ojibwe immersion teachers, and increasing the diversity of teachers.
“This scholarship opportunity is a significant act of support for future educators in our communities. The Bachelor of Science in Elementary/Middle School Education is a program that has been consistently highlighted in conversations with tribal governments, our elders, and the greater community. We are very proud of the combined effort of the Native American Studies and Education Departments to create an Ojibwemowin track for this degree. It is a fundamental step in taking the work of language revitalization here at LCO and beyond to a higher level. Miigwech to MIIN for your contributions to support immersion education students at LCOOU,” shares Karen Breit, Interim President at LCOOU.
Teachers graduating from the LCOOU Education Program will know, understand, implement, and assess the cultural experience of all children by integrating Culturally Responsive Schooling and implementing social justice education. Teachers will be prepared to assist children with space-based education and land-based education by being aware of our connection to the Earth and the importance of protecting natural resources. A reciprocal obligation not only to our earth but to each other will be emphasized by utilizing Indigenous Knowledge Systems. Graduates with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary/Middle School Education could pursue a career as a licensed elementary school teacher, daycare administrator, preschool teacher, Ojibwe immersion teacher, or substitute teacher.
“We are incredibly grateful to be partnered with LCOOU and the Henry Luce Foundation to offer a teacher licensing track with an emphasis on Ojibwe language immersion! We are happy to offer this and future scholarships to support our future Ojibwe educators.” – Gimiwan Dustin Burnette, MIIN President
Increased scholarship offerings reduce the barriers of tuition and textbook costs for Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University students. This reduction in barriers supports the University’s mission to provide Anishinaabe communities with post-secondary and continuing education while advancing the language, culture, and history of the Ojibwe.
To learn more about the Elementary/Middle School Education degree program or to enroll, contact the LCOOU Admissions team at 715-634-4790 or visit the website at https://www.lco.edu/admissions.
The scholarship application will be available on the college website, www.lco.edu/scholarships and open to Native American undergraduate students to apply. For further questions, call 715-634-4790 ext. 186 or email advancement@lco.edu.
About MIIN
MIIN is a Native American-led, Minnesota-based 501c3 dedicated to the revitalization of the Ojibwe and other indigenous languages. Our mission is to assist Ojibwe language programs in communicating and collaborating to collectively address common needs.
Learn more at https://www.miinojibwe.org/