2025 Presentations
Hands-On Learning: Suitcase Education Kit
Presented by Ronette Rumpca: The South Dakota State Historical Society’s education suitcase kit program has grown from two cases on two topics in 1996 to 31 cases on fourteen topics today. Kits include hands-on objects, topic background information, worksheets, and lesson plans for activities using the hands-on items. At this session, attendees can see a kit, handle the objects, and learn how the kits are put together. The kits offered by the Society include “Buffalo & the Plains Indians” and “Dakota, Nakota, Lakota Life”. |
CTE Growth on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation
Presented by Brian Sieh:
Career exploration and a 21st century mindset have students engaged while focusing on careers found on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation, students can gain skills to begin a career or to go on to post-secondary education at a trade school or college. The St. Francis Indian School is in the fourth semester of having a Career and Technical Education school within the high school and have show steady growth in participation numbers each semester. The students attending CTE courses also have less attendance issues and higher grade point averages as they are fully engaged in the program. Through community partnerships and internal partnerships students can show immediate success right after graduation by joining the workforce or going to post-secondary education. |
Being Indigenous is Being Gifted
Presented by Christopher Bordeaux:
Participants will leave workshop with knowledge of what it means to be truly Gifted and Talented and to be able to identify their students as the same.
Research will be presented to show that being indigenous and all that we know of our ancestors is all we need to kow to assist our young people our babies, to know how intelligent they are and the knowledge ha salways been there and we need to just ask for it.
Workshop Abstract:
Presentation will focus on the knowledge of our ancestor and hownit is possible retrieve that knowledge and “prove”that we are gifted and we will pass that knowledge on to our students.
Engaging Families in the Science of Reading: Building Bridges to Literacy
Presented by Alissa Adams:
This hands-on session equips educators with practical strategies to foster meaningful family involvement in early reading. Rooted in the Science of Reading—covering phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension—participants will learn how to communicate these concepts in family-friendly, inclusive ways. Attendees will leave with practical strategies and ready-to-use resources to engage families in literacy, along with a deeper understanding of how family involvement supports student success.
Wolakota: Building Resilience and Healing Intergenerational Trauma
Presented by Elfreda Cottier:
The Oceti Wakan Life Skills Curriculum helps break cycles of
intergenerational trauma, fosters cultural pride, and equips our children4 with skills for healthy, resilient lives, we use the concept of the Medicine Wheel to systematically educate, nurture, and develop the four aspects of a human being—physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental—to promote overall well-being and a balanced life (Wolakota).
We Walk Together: Sacred Knowledge in Education
Presented by Dera Iyotte:
A Culturally Responsive Look at Indigenous Academic Acquisition
Leading Change: Transforming Mindsets to Elevate Native Graduation Rates
Presented by Gina Curran:
This session explores how strong, visionary leadership can shift mindsets, inspire cultural pride, and create systemic change that supports Native student success. Participants will examine strategies that empower educators, families, and communities to foster resilience, belonging, and academic achievement. By addressing barriers and reimagining support structures, we will highlight practical, culturally responsive approaches that raise graduation rates and open pathways to brighter futures for Native youth.
Raising Self-Disciplined Responsible Children
Presented by Connie Hermann:
The research-based Boys Town Common Sense Parenting Program is offered at no charge throughout South Dakota. Parents/Teachers/Coaches will learn skills for setting children up for success
Woiyukcan-Working together for the betterment of all!
Presented by Brian Brown:
Using the Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings to transform your school’s culture to motivate students to attend school and achieve their potential.
Building Bridges, Not Barriers: Partnering with Families for lasting impact
Presented by Danielle Ducheneaux-Kucera:
Strong partnerships between schools, families, and communities are key to the success and well-being of Native students. This session explores how educators and advocates can work together to create meaningful, culturally responsive relationships that honor Native voices and strengthen student belonging. Through examples of collaboration and family engagement within Native and non-Native communities, participants will learn practical strategies to foster trust, communication, and shared responsibility. Attendees will leave with tools to bridge gaps, build relationships grounded in respect, and create lasting impact through authentic partnerships that uplift Native students and their families.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
Identify key elements of culturally responsive family and community engagement for Native students.
Recognize common barriers to partnership and strategies to overcome them.
Apply practical approaches for building trust and collaboration between schools, families, and Native communities.
Reflect on their role in fostering authentic relationships that support student success and belonging.