Students seek cultural connection through new advisory group

The Indigenous Student Advisory Team at Bismarck Public Schools is working to integrate Native American culture into schools by centering student voices, according to a report by KFYR-TV. The group was formed to identify student needs. Adviser Tomi Cimarosti told the station students asked for representation and involvement rather than material items.

The team has organized events, proposed mentorship programs and invited elders to share knowledge of language and tradition. Student Rita Wise Spirit told the station that the presence of elders would help restore cultural teachings, saying, ”A lot of us don’t know how to speak our language, and they can teach us a couple of things, and they can teach us about the old ways.” The group is now planning summer activities.