Widening the Circle: Indigenous Education in Wisconsin

Join us for the Widening the Circle Summit on March 30-31 at the Hmong Cultural & Community Center in La Crosse, WI. This event focuses on Hmong and Native Indigenous Education, fostering collaboration to develop a strategic plan for the future of Indigenous Education in Wisconsin. Engage in workshops, presentations, and strategic planning on critical topics like intergenerational healing, curriculum infusion, and advocacy. Network with educators and advocates, share ideas, and build partnerships to strengthen First Nations and Hmong education initiatives. Free and open to the public with meals provided. Visit Act31.Weebly.com for more information.

Widening the Circle Summit: Empowering Indigenous Education in Wisconsin

On March 30th and 31st, 2012, educators, advocates, and community members will gather in La Crosse, Wisconsin, for the Widening the Circle Summit. This significant event focuses on advancing Hmong and Native American Indigenous Education, uniting the First Nations and Hmong communities to build a stronger foundation for cultural awareness, policy development, and educational collaboration.

Hosted at the Hmong Cultural & Community Center, this free summit offers a space for reflection, strategic planning, and actionable steps to shape the future of Indigenous Education in Wisconsin and beyond.

Why Attend the Widening the Circle Summit?

This event brings together educators, policymakers, and community advocates to:

• Explore the rich histories, cultures, and traditions of Hmong and Native communities.
• Address challenges in current educational policies, such as Act 31 and the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act.
• Foster partnerships to enhance Indigenous language preservation and curriculum integration.
• Share experiences and insights to promote intergenerational healing and historical trauma awareness.
• Advocate for social justice and cultural authenticity in education.

Whether you are a teacher, policymaker, student, or community ally, the summit provides an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations and contribute to a shared vision for Indigenous Education.

Event Highlights

Conference Sessions (Friday – Saturday):

1. Indigenous Education: Insights on curriculum infusion and tribal culture.
2. Current Policy Context: Understanding U.S. assimilation policies and their impact on Indigenous communities.
3. Social Justice and Bias: Tackling systemic issues in education.
4. Role of Art and Theatre: Amplifying Indigenous voices through creative mediums.
5. Native and Hmong History: Emphasizing cultural preservation and shared experiences.

Strategic Planning (Saturday – Sunday)

• Developing policy goals for Wisconsin and Minnesota.
• Enhancing current programs like WTC, HONOR, and the Summer Institute.
• Strengthening collaborations with WIEA, tribal governments, and other allies.

Call to Action: Be Part of the Future

This summit is more than an event; it’s a movement to shape an inclusive, culturally responsive educational system. By attending, you contribute to a collective effort to preserve and promote the identities, histories, and traditions of Hmong and Native communities.

Event Details

• When: March 30–31, 2012
• Where: Hmong Cultural & Community Center, 1815 Ward Ave., La Crosse, WI
• Cost: Free (meals provided)
• Accessibility: Fully accessible to all

Register now and view the full schedule at: Act31.Weebly.Com

For more information, contact Pa Houa Vang at IndigenousEducation@gmail.com.

Conclusion

The Widening the Circle Summit is a vital step in envisioning a future where Hmong and Native American education thrives. Join this collaborative effort to address challenges, celebrate cultures, and create lasting change. Together, we can build bridges of understanding and advocacy that empower generations to come.

By incorporating Indigenous Education, historical trauma healing, and policy advocacy into the conversation, this summit serves as a pivotal event in advancing educational equity and cultural preservation in Wisconsin and beyond.

References and Further Reading

• Native American Community of Madison | MARCH 17, 2012 | Widening the Circle Summit | Widening the Circle Summit Conference & Strategic planning on the future of Indigenous Education | Friday - Saturday | March 30^th- March 31st | Trainings/Workshops/Presentations/Exhibits | Hmong Cultural & Community Center | 1815 Ward Ave. La Crosse, WI | For more information or to register please contact: Pa Houa Vang | Indigenouseducation@Gmail.Com | Act31.Weebly.Com | Nacomadison.Wordpress.Com | Please join us to learn more about the central themes and topics of Hmong and Native Indigenous Education and help us in developing a strategic plan for the future of Indigenous Education in Wisconsin including First Nations and Hmong communities.