Subject: Celebrating the Season with Gratitude and Wabanaki Spirit
Dear Maine Indian Education Family,
As the winter solstice approaches and the snow blankets the Wabanaki ancestral lands, I am moved to reflect on the profound dedication and spirit each of you brings to our educational community. Like the sacred birch that bends but never breaks in winter storms, you have shown remarkable resilience and strength throughout this year.
In Wabanaki tradition, winter is a time of storytelling, of gathering close, and of passing wisdom from one generation to the next. Each of you embodies this tradition daily in our classrooms and halls, weaving together modern education with the timeless knowledge of Wabanaki ancestors. Your work honors the Seven Fires of the Wabanaki teachings – wisdom, love, respect, courage, honesty, humility, and truth.
As you celebrate this holiday season with your loved ones, remember that you are part of something greater – a continuing circle of knowledge and nurturing that has sustained the Wabanaki people for countless generations. Whether you gather around the Christmas tree or honor traditional ceremonies, may you feel the warmth of community and the pride of Wabanaki heritage.
Let us take inspiration from the eagle, one of Wabanaki's sacred symbols, who sees both the larger picture and the smallest detail. Your work touches individual students while contributing to the larger vision of preserving and strengthening our Native communities through education.
During this break, I hope you find time for rest and renewal, like the quiet restoration that happens beneath winter's snow. May you return refreshed, carrying the peace of snow-covered pines and the strength of ancient stones in your spirit.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year (Woli Nipayimiyan naka Woli Pilikoton).
Dr. Reza Namin,
Superintendent
PS. Thanks to Lynn Mitchell, Adele Moore, and Cante England for their help with this message.
Dear Maine Indian Education Family,
As the winter solstice approaches and the snow blankets the Wabanaki ancestral lands, I am moved to reflect on the profound dedication and spirit each of you brings to our educational community. Like the sacred birch that bends but never breaks in winter storms, you have shown remarkable resilience and strength throughout this year.
In Wabanaki tradition, winter is a time of storytelling, of gathering close, and of passing wisdom from one generation to the next. Each of you embodies this tradition daily in our classrooms and halls, weaving together modern education with the timeless knowledge of Wabanaki ancestors. Your work honors the Seven Fires of the Wabanaki teachings – wisdom, love, respect, courage, honesty, humility, and truth.
As you celebrate this holiday season with your loved ones, remember that you are part of something greater – a continuing circle of knowledge and nurturing that has sustained the Wabanaki people for countless generations. Whether you gather around the Christmas tree or honor traditional ceremonies, may you feel the warmth of community and the pride of Wabanaki heritage.
Let us take inspiration from the eagle, one of Wabanaki's sacred symbols, who sees both the larger picture and the smallest detail. Your work touches individual students while contributing to the larger vision of preserving and strengthening our Native communities through education.
During this break, I hope you find time for rest and renewal, like the quiet restoration that happens beneath winter's snow. May you return refreshed, carrying the peace of snow-covered pines and the strength of ancient stones in your spirit.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year (Woli Nipayimiyan naka Woli Pilikoton).
Dr. Reza Namin,
Superintendent
PS. Thanks to Lynn Mitchell, Adele Moore, and Cante England for their help with this message.
Maine’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) law will provide up to 12 weeks of paid leave for family leave, medical leave, safe leave, or leave related to a family member’s impending military deployment. Maine Law (Title 26, M.R.S.A. § 42-B and § 850-1) requires every
employer to place this poster in the workplace where workers can easily see it. For more information please visit https://www.maine.gov/labor.
Indian Island School students learn block-based programming through Scratch
For more information, please use the QR Code attached, or Click below:
https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/indian-island-school-students-learn-block-based-programming-through-scratch/article_ef658c62-9b0c-11ef-834a-6777314d2cb3.html
MIE Receives Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative Award for Grades 6-12
Calais, ME – March 21, 2024 - Maine Indian Education is pleased to announce that the Maine Department of Education has awarded its schools with a Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative (MOLI) award. This award will provide students in grades 6-12 with unique opportunities to engage in cultural experiences and place-based learning, with a strong emphasis on STEM fields.
The MOLI award recognizes Maine Indian Education's commitment to providing students with innovative and immersive learning experiences that connect them with their heritage and the natural world around them. By combining cultural knowledge with hands-on STEM education, the program aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for both traditional wisdom and modern scientific principles.
Dr. Reza Namin, Superintendent of Maine Indian Education, expressed his enthusiasm for the award, stating, "We are thrilled to receive the Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative award. This recognition validates our efforts to create meaningful, culturally relevant educational opportunities for our students. By integrating traditional knowledge with STEM disciplines, we are empowering our youth to become well-rounded, critical thinkers who are prepared to lead and innovate in the 21st century."
The MOLI-funded programming will include a range of activities, such as field trips to significant cultural sites, outdoor research projects, and collaborations with tribal elders and STEM professionals. These experiences will not only enhance students' academic knowledge but also strengthen their connection to their community and the environment.
"This award opens up a world of possibilities for our students, including our high school students" added Dr. Namin. "By engaging in place-based learning and exploring the rich cultural heritage of the Wabanaki, Passamaquoddy and Penobscot communities, our students will gain a deeper appreciation for their own identity and the importance of preserving and advancing indigenous knowledge. We are excited to see the positive impact this initiative will have on their academic and personal growth."
Dr. Reza Namin, Superintendent of Maine Indian Education provided a testimony as an invited presenter. "The Way Forward", a Final Report of the Alice Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children was released in February of 2024.
"The Way Forward", Report of the Alice Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children is available at the site below:
https://commissiononnativechildren.org/reports/TheWayForward.pdf
The Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children (Commission) transmitted its official and final report and recommendations to the President and Congress as directed by bipartisan legislation Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) ushered into law (Public Law 114-244, as amended by Public Law 117-41) in 2016. Congress created and directed the Commission to conduct an intensive study of federal, tribal, state and local programs and grants available to American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian children and to make recommendations for how to promote improved outcomes for Native youth.
The Commission is named in honor of two advocates for Native children and youth, Alyce Spotted Bear (Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation) and Walter Soboleff (Tlingit). Alyce Spotted Bear was a chairwoman of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation, an education leader and a cultural historian. Reverend Dr. Walter Soboleff was a spiritual leader for Alaska Native people, a Tlingit educator, and the first Alaska Native Chairman of the Alaska State Board of Education.
Penobscot Language Portal
Visit: https://www.penobscotnation.org/departments/cultural-historic-preservation
The Bureau of Indian Education provides school staff with access AT NO COST to DirectSTEP® eLearning at https://dc-bie2020-ds.lrp.com.
These courses are for all staff including teachers, principals, paraprofessionals, bus drivers, nurse, food staff, PARENTS, etc.
Go to https://dc-bie2020-ds.lrp.com and self-register today! The courses are 1 hour and self-paced.
Report Fraud, Waste, or Abuse to our Hotline Check out the links below for more information on what to report, how to file a report, whistleblower protections, and other resources. Click Below to Report Now:
https://oighotlineportal.ed.gov/eCasePortal/InvestigationsCaptcha.aspx
University of Maine Curriculum and Lesson Plans.
https://libguides.library.umaine.edu/Educationguide/curriculum
How to contact a counselor. Maine Indian Education WeCare Program.
Information Video:
https://www.loom.com/share/66eaadd96cd24725b6530ca70106413f
The safety of our staff and students is of utmost importance. That's why we're pleased to offer the Vector Training, K-12 Edition to our employees. We're confident you'll find these courses to be informative and helpful in maintaining a safe learning environment.
https://maineindianedu-me.safeschools.com/login
2022 Waponahki Student Art Show at the Abbe Museum.
https://www.abbemuseum.org/2022-student-art
Support for LD 1626, An Act Implementing the Recommendations of the Task Force on Changes to the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Implementing Act. Listen to the public hearing before the Maine Legislature’s Judiciary Committee. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JSeXDGr5k4 Summary of LD 1626 https://legislature.maine.gov/LawMakerWeb/summary.asp?ID=280080665
Dr. Reza Namin, Superintendent of Maine Indian Education was invited by the Maine Legislative Joint Committee On Education and Cultural Affairs to give a presentation on February 3, 2022, regarding the Maine Indian Education Initiatives. https://legislature.maine.gov/committee/#Committees/ED
Cultural Relevant Academic Resources from the Academic Development Institute & Transformation Academy at Bureau of Indian Education Native Star Web Access:
Visit: https://www.indistar.org/freeresources.html
1. Leadership & Decision-Making
2. Instructional Planning & Delivery
3. Coaching & Support
4. Personalized Learning
5. Family Engagement
WHAT’S THIS PROJECT ALL ABOUT?
For our Phase II North American Indigenous Music Project, we will invite exceptional Indigenous student songwriters and musicians from tribal reservations and schools that historically serve Indigenous populations across North America to audition for the project. Participants will record an original composition and contribute to the development of a documentary music video using virtual audio production and collaboration technologies. Audio and video equipment will be provided to our participants to use during the project.
In our safe, secure online learning management system, participants will serve as tribal ambassadors providing cultural teaching and learning opportunities to each other while creating inter-tribal bonds. Our scholars (including Dr. Kelly Laurila of Canada – Sami tribe, Dr. James Honeycutt – University of Texas at Dallas, Dr. Bill Lord, and the University of New Mexico OILS program) have created an experience where support and healing may occur. Our team will guide the development of a new inter-cultural musical family. Students will learn valuable skills such as virtual audio production technologies, sound treatment, online project collaboration, music industry legalities, explore what it means to be an Indigenous musician, the potential power of music, and they will work with NAMMY-winning musician, singer/songwriter and producer Wade Fernandez (Menominee tribe) to record an original song. The finished song will be distributed on popular streaming services providing the potential for musicians to realize income from their contributions. This project will promote Native cultures and music to the world, provide a platform from which talented young musicians may be seen and heard, and seek to instill pride while creating bonds of unity across Tribes.
The deadline for songwriters to submit an original composition is January 15th. We request your assistance by passing along this opportunity to your youth. Your support will allow us to build bridges and create unity between highly diverse groups of people who live in an increasingly divided world. Please help us foster bonds of friendship between the Indigenous artists and leaders of tomorrow. We welcome any questions you may have.
Wishing you peace, health, and happiness through music,
Bill Lord
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Dr. William (Bill) Lord, Founder & Executive Director
www.globalzrecording.org
For more information, please visit http://www.globalzrecording.org/current-projects/phase-ii/
For our Phase II North American Indigenous Music Project, we will invite exceptional Indigenous student songwriters and musicians from tribal reservations and schools that historically serve Indigenous populations across North America to audition for the project. Participants will record an original composition and contribute to the development of a documentary music video using virtual audio production and collaboration technologies. Audio and video equipment will be provided to our participants to use during the project.
In our safe, secure online learning management system, participants will serve as tribal ambassadors providing cultural teaching and learning opportunities to each other while creating inter-tribal bonds. Our scholars (including Dr. Kelly Laurila of Canada – Sami tribe, Dr. James Honeycutt – University of Texas at Dallas, Dr. Bill Lord, and the University of New Mexico OILS program) have created an experience where support and healing may occur. Our team will guide the development of a new inter-cultural musical family. Students will learn valuable skills such as virtual audio production technologies, sound treatment, online project collaboration, music industry legalities, explore what it means to be an Indigenous musician, the potential power of music, and they will work with NAMMY-winning musician, singer/songwriter and producer Wade Fernandez (Menominee tribe) to record an original song. The finished song will be distributed on popular streaming services providing the potential for musicians to realize income from their contributions. This project will promote Native cultures and music to the world, provide a platform from which talented young musicians may be seen and heard, and seek to instill pride while creating bonds of unity across Tribes.
The deadline for songwriters to submit an original composition is January 15th. We request your assistance by passing along this opportunity to your youth. Your support will allow us to build bridges and create unity between highly diverse groups of people who live in an increasingly divided world. Please help us foster bonds of friendship between the Indigenous artists and leaders of tomorrow. We welcome any questions you may have.
Wishing you peace, health, and happiness through music,
Bill Lord
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Dr. William (Bill) Lord, Founder & Executive Director
www.globalzrecording.org
For more information, please visit http://www.globalzrecording.org/current-projects/phase-ii/
