Ch. 10 - Education by Kendra Rasmuson

"In the present state of our country, one of two things seems to be necessary; either that those sons of the forest should be moralized or exterminated." This was the mindset of early America, but is far from the truth today. Minnesota's government is working hard to create education programs for Native students in hopes that they will remain in the school system long enough to earn a high school and college degree.

Although Indians know they need the skills taught by schools, acquiring those skills often means sacrificing Indian identity. Therefore, students drop-out to return to their original lifestyles. Minnesota has one of the worst Indian high school graduation rates in the country, 42.8%. This loss of talent and promise can never be regained. These statistics have launched an increasing acceptance that Indians must both maintain their culture as well as acquire the necessary education to succeed in this society. Schools and colleges have begun adding Indian studies into their curriculum for that very reason: allowing Native Americans to learn necessary skills for life, but also to keep their culture intact when they graduate.

I think that Minnesota is doing a good job with their programs for Indian students, but they could be great. Perhaps if the schools hire Native American teachers, incorporate a little bit more Indian history into the history books, and allow families to receive financial aid, we would see a greater Indian population in schools, and higher graduation rates.