Smudging, gardening and art Students flourish in Indigenous STEAM camp

Minneapolis Public Schools' summer American Indian STEAM program engages nearly 50 students, focusing on Native American history and activism. The program, led by Siena Braun, includes activities like gardening, where students learn about culturally significant plants such as sage, which is used for smudging in classrooms. This year, the theme is water protection, with students participating in art projects and a rally to advocate for environmental issues. Approximately half of the attendees are Native American, enhancing the program's cultural relevance and fostering community ties. Classes like biking teach self-reliance, empowering students to explore their neighborhoods.

The curriculum addresses historical injustices, including residential schools, and incorporates art to commemorate missing and murdered Indigenous relatives. Students create faceless dolls to symbolize community members lost to violence, deepening their understanding of social issues. The program's continuity since its virtual inception in 2020 demonstrates its growing importance in the community.