American Indian Education
Free Services
The following FREE services are offered to District 742 students enrolled in the American Indian Education program.
- Cultural enrichment classes for students
- Seasonal cultural events for the entire family
- Tutoring for high school students
- College visits
- Field trips
- Information for post-secondary planning
- Request to have Kip Perkins or Family Advocate Misty Peterson attend IEP meetings, ILP meetings, or conferences.
To find out if your student is eligible to receive these services, please contact the American Indian Program at 320-370-8775.
Follow us on social media.
The American Indian Education Program is designed to meet the identified educational and cultural needs of our American Indian students. The ultimate goal of the program is to assist these students in successfully completing high school and to encourage and prepare students to seek post-secondary training and education.
Cultural Lens
A key goal of the American Indian Program is to enhance cultural awareness and knowledge of students' Native American heritage.
The program aims to instill pride in students by highlighting the value and contributions of our ancestors and present-day Native American community members. We create opportunities for cultural learning through community events, NAPAC meetings and field trips.
NAPAC (Native American Parent Advisory Committee)
The purpose of the Native American Parent Advisory Committee (NAPAC) is required by Minnesota State Statute MN 124D to ensure parent participation in advising the district on matters concerning Native students in District 742. NAPAC is also instrumental in providing parents of Native American students with information and opportunities to effectively express their views concerning all aspects of education that affect their children. The committee also participates and advises on items they would like to see included in the educational plan funded through MDE AIEA state funds.
NAPAC membership is open to all caregivers, parents and guardians of Native American students and their families, including multi-ethnic and multiracial families. Secondary Native American students are welcome to join NAPAC. Tribal enrollment is not required for participation.
The Indian Parent Committee (IPC) aligns with the Office of Indian Education and Title VI requirements. It serves as a dedicated group to review and support the federal portion of services provided to American Indian students in District 742. Participation is open to parents and caregivers of American Indian students who have completed and returned a 506 form. To support clear roles and representation within each committee, current NAPAC Executive Board members, as well as individuals who have served on the NAPAC Executive Board within the previous two school years, are not eligible to serve on the IPC Board. In addition to family participation, this council will include educators, secondary students, tribal elders and representatives. We are honored to partner with the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe as our consulting tribe, and we warmly welcome participation from elders and representatives of other nations and tribes.
If you are interested in serving on the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee or want more information, contact:
Kip Perkins, American Indian Education Family Liaison at 320-370-8775 or kip.perkins@isd742.org.
Meet Kip Perkins
American Indian Program Coordinator
Kip Perkins grew up in the town of Ponemah, MN on the Red Lake Reservation. He has been working for the St. Cloud Area Schools since 2023. Kip enjoys having the opportunity to connect with Native students and help others learn about Native American culture.
Meet Misty Peterson
Family Advocate
Gizhibaawaanakwadook indigoo, makwa indoodem, Gwaaba'iganing indoonjibaa. My name is Misty Peterson, and I am from Sawyer, MN, where I'm enrolled in Fond du Lac rez. I am also Couchiching First Nation (Canada). I grew up in Sawyer and in Canada and have been learning Ojibwe since elementary school. I have worked in schools throughout Minnesota/Wisconsin with a focus on Ojibwe language and culture. I look forward to making connections with students, their families and staff to help bring the Ojibwe culture to the District 742.