Indigenous Voices ElevatED: The State of Indigenous Education in Minnesota—A Call for Representation, Narrative Change, & Justice

March 19, 2025

Are we giving Indigenous students the supports they need to thrive in our K-12 system? How can we do better to ensure Native students feel truly seen, heard, and represented in Minnesota schools? 

In Indigenous Voices ElevatED, Jill Greendeer PhD, MA, MS evaluates the state of Indigenous education in Minnesota, exploring Native student academic progress, graduation, attendance rates, and mental health. Dr. Greendeer explores the historical trauma Native students experience and the lasting impact of boarding schools on Native communities. Through in-depth interviews with Indigenous students and families, Dr. Greendeer outlines the barriers and challenges that Native students and families encounter in K-12 education in Minnesota including racism, stress, lack of representation, and more. 

There is not just one solution to improving the K-12 experience for Indigenous Minnesotans, and this report provides a framework for understanding the most significant barriers and areas for action to elevate Indigenous voices and improve inclusion, representation, and visibility in Minnesota K-12 education.

Read the full findings in the report, or hear students and families tell their own stories on video.