Teachers take day for learning

Teachers from across the Mission Valley gathered in Polson for tribal education day. 

While students across the Mission Valley enjoyed a day off from school on Sept. 21, teachers were hard at work learning better practices in Native American education. 

As part of tribal profession development, or PIR Day, educators from a total of nine school districts surrounding the Flathead Indian Reservation gathered at Polson High School to participate in a variety of field trips and seminars discussing ways to include culturally relevant information in lesson plans. 

“Tribal history is not only historical, but it’s also contemporary,” said event organizer William Swaney, director of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes’ Education Department. 

In addition to learning about traditional elements such as native art and games, teachers also toured the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes government complex, the formerly named Kerr dam and other modern tribal enterprises. 

“We like to use locally-relevant, place-based examples,” Swaney said. 

While education on reservations has its challenges when it comes to drop out rates and achievement gaps, Swaney said it’s not because of a lack of ability on the part of students.

This message was echoed by  development day’s keynote speaker, Mandy Smoker Broaddus, Director of the Indian Education Division for Montana Office of Public Instruction.

“I’ve talked to a lot of Indian kids and they are ready for change,” Broaddus said. “They want relevancy.” 

Educating teachers on contemporary issues such as tribal water management and the proposal to restore ownership of the National Bison Range can fire up the classroom discussion, she said.

Polson High School Principle Scott Wilson said teachers also benefit from the opportunity to meet and collaborate with each other. 

“Having the entire valley come together is helpful,” he said. 

Wilson said about one third of Polson High School students are tribal members. With that ratio, he said Native American student contribute to many of the school’s accomplishments. 

“These are going to be our future leaders and business owners,” Broaddus said. “And the better we can understand each other the more good will come for the state.”