Curriculum

Knowing the importance of culture as both a protective factor as well as a healing factor, Dr. Anton Treuer with guidance from elders from both White Earth Nation and Red Lake Nation, created an Indigenous Foundations curriculum to accompany the National Parent Leadership Institute curriculum based on the cultural teachings of the Anishinaabe. This initiative is being offered through a cultural lens to acknowledge our Anishinaabe identity and the effects of historical trauma due to the boarding school era. By adding a ‘traditional teaching’ each week, the initiative supports the revitalization of Ojibwe values, teachings, language and a healthy traditional lifestyle for participants.


Parent Leadership Training Institute Curriculum (PLTI): Participants will receive two phases of training through the PLTI curriculum:

  • Phase I: A 10-week course on parent leadership and self-perception with a focus on voice, difference, personal, family and community strengths and needs. Participants discover their passion with purpose during this phase

  • Phase II: A 10-week study of how change occurs within educational, tribal, state, federal and local governments and systems. Participants learn how to navigate these systems to create change

  • A main component of the initiative is the “Passion with Purpose” Community Project. Each project is self-selected and engages our participants in practicing their civic and cultural teachings


Indigenous Foundations: Participants will receive a broad exposure to Ojibwe culture and an opportunity to incorporate that culture and its practices into their daily lives. The Indigenous Foundations curriculum is designed in four sections, each comprised of a season in the Ojibwe calendar. There are five classes for each season. The “hands on” part of the Indigenous Foundations curriculum is designed to equip participants with a relatable and practical introduction to their cultural toolbox. The goal is to provide participants with the knowledge to be comfortable about incorporating cultural activities in their daily lives and into their children’s daily lives and to carry on the traditions for future generations to come.

  • Spring: Starting a Cultural Journey

  • Summer: Growing in Your Culture

  • Fall: Maturing in Your Culture

  • Winter: Finding Wisdom.  

Project Coordinator & Facilitators

Beth Ann Dodds - Project Coordinator & PLTI Facilitator

Kris Manning - PLTI Facilitator

Both Kris & Beth Ann have been certified by the National Parent Leadership Institute to facilitate the leadership classes and both are from the White Earth Nation.