L.E.A.R.N. Commission Discusses Present and Future Educational Opportunities, Focus on Students

HAYWARD, WI – The Lac Courte Oreilles Education Advancement Resource Network (LEARN) Commission held its third meeting March 1, bringing together educational and departmental leaders from across the Lac Courte Oreilles community to discuss educational resources and opportunities for students.

Facilitated by Dr. John “Little Bird” Anderson and Dr. Rick St. Germaine, goals of the meeting included a breakout session for workgroups to identify improvements and recommendations to LEARN Commission goals and objectives. With a focus on encouraging students to complete their educations, LEARN Commission members sorted through objectives offering discussion on a variety of topics.


Among the recommendations proposed were how to develop sustainable educational opportunities and encourage positive family values and moral codes that support education. A common theme was how to get parents involved in the education of their children and promote healthy, life-long learning habits. Others voiced support for restoring the Ojibwe language among LCO students, reaching out to the greater public to help diversify the LCO Ojibwe Community College student base, and exposing students to positive role models within the LCO community.


Ojibwe Indian values and culture curriculum enriches learning opportunities for tribal children. Students perform with greater proficiency who are motivated and inspired by education officials who consistently raise higher expectations in the learning environment. One of the goals for improving educational opportunities among LCO students is to instill a love of life-long learning.


The LEARN Commission is chartered to examine tribal educational resources and make recommendations for improvements to help assure a higher success rate among students. The Commission will produce a long-term plan for growth and sustainability of education programs and initiatives.


The LEARN Commission is guided by historic tribal values of the Midewiwin Code for Long Life and Wisdom tenets that include: Thank the Creator for all his gifts; honor the aged; honor life in all its forms; honor women; honor promises; honor kindness; and be peaceful.


The LEARN Commission was established through a resolution adopted by the LCO Tribal Governing Board in November 2011. The commission is chartered with identifying how LCO can improve its educational system and make positive changes to increase matriculation among students of all ages. The LEARN Commission is comprised of members from LCO Tribal Governing Board; UW-Extension; K-12 educators; LCO Ojibwe Community College; Early Head Start; Waadookodaading; Hayward Schools; and others.  Dr. John “Little Bird” Anderson is a renowned educator recognized as facilitator of the LEARN Commission.