The Cass Lake-Bena Schools are located on the Leech Lake Indian Reservation and proudly serves a student population rich in Ojibwe culture and history. The student body is comprised of 90% American Indian students. Indian studies classes in language, history, and culture are offered to all students in all grades.
Schools include:
- Cass Lake-Bena Elementary School, grades Preschool – 4th
* All day every day Kindergarten, with a 2 year option - Cass Lake Middle School, grades 5 – 8
- Cass Lake-Bena High School, grades 9 – 12
- Area Learning Center, grades 7 – 12 alternative education programs
All schools include:
- Special education services on site, with additional services available through Bemidji Regional Inter-District Council for special education
- In-school small group instruction and after school tutoring programs
- Research-based education methods, including project based learning and grade-specific initiatives
- Cooperative efforts with Leech Lake Tribal College, Bemidji State University, Johns Hopkins University and the University of Montana
- Wide variety of activities including sports and arts
- Student support services: on-site counseling, home-school advocates, School Social Worker and School Resource Officer
High School
15308 State Highway 371 NW
Cass Lake, MN 56633
Ph: 218-335-2203
Fx: 218-335-7649
Middle School
15314 State Highway 371 NW
Cass Lake, MN 56633
Ph: 218-335-2203
Fx: 218-335-1194
Elementary School
15 Fourth Street NW
Cass Lake, MN 56633
Ph: 218-335-2201
Fx: 218-335-8538
Our Mission: Providing education, mentoring and support services that build strong individuals and families in the Northland Community School District.
Core Values:
- Education is an important key to building self-sufficient individuals and strong families.
- Every person has value. We operate out of consideration for each individual’s dignity.
- Strong families build strong communities.
- Healthy families and community systems are essential to supporting sustainable change in individuals.
- We strive for communities in which people are interdependent.
- We collaborate with other organizations that support our mission.
The Northland Area Family Services Center was created as a unique way to give rural access to county and educational services, and to meet community needs through innovative programming. Incorporated in 1996 as a 501C3, we serve the Northland Community School District and parts of Leech Lake Reservation. This is a population of 4,474 people (5.26 persons per square mile). In our service area 20% of households make less than $20,000 and 11.9% or 536 people in our community live below the poverty line.
NWICDC is located in Bemidji, MN and provides services to more than 1,000 people and families annually. We prioritize the 60-mile radius, which includes the Red Lake Nation, White Earth Nation, the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and the administrative headquarters of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe. This region continuously ranks the lowest in economic and social outcome indicators in Minnesota, and . The risk factors are complex and interrelated, meriting a holistic and integrated approach to recognizing, supporting and regenerating the protective factors, values and norms, implicit in traditional Anishinaabe Worldview.
What We Do
NWICDC implements five core initiatives with a three-tiered system that is informed by Anishinaabe worldview, trauma informed care and systems change:
Initiatives:
- Traditional & Western Educational Pathways
- Workforce Development & Training
- Economic Security & Financial Access
- Family Wellness & Behavioral Health
- Safety & Basic Needs
Services and Programs:
- Anishinabe Basic Education, GED Tutoring & Test Assistance
- Post-secondary enrollment tools, scholarship, FAFSA
- Credentialed & Customized Job Readiness Courses
- Certified Nursing Assistance & Home Health Aide Certifications
- Community Health Worker Certifications
- Medical Coding Certification
- First Aid & CPR Certification
- Osha 10 and Osha 30
- Boiler Operator Certification
- Deconstruction Certification
- Job Seeking and application support
- Resume Building
- Interview coaching
- Mino Anokiiwin (Workforce Development)
- New employment navigation
- Post placement support and coaching
- Stabilization/Drop-in resources (phone, fax, computer
- Notary Services
- Housing Referrals
- Reintegration Supports
- Advocacy
- Financial education and budgeting
- Tax Assistance Program
- Employment opportunities
- Traditional community gatherings and events
- Ojibwemowin opportunities
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Policy Advocacy
- Program Design, Development and Technical Assistances
The Area Learning Center provides a rigorous curriculum that demands a high level of engagement in academics, positive behaviors, exemplary attendance, social skill building and teamwork, which allows hands-on, project-based, community service projects to connect to real world learning. The MN Graduation Standards are embedded in the curriculum. Students receive instruction in a variety of ways and settings.
- Individualized Instruction: CLPs (Continual Learning Plans) are tailored to meet the student’s academic needs and interests.
- Intensives: Focus on a particular topic covering all academic disciplines for a short, intensive amount of time with a variety of fieldwork in different core classes.
- Adventure/Fitness: Innovative Physical Education Curriculum that focuses on fitness, wellness, and nutrition.
- In-Depth Investigation: Interesting, purposeful, engaging investigation of compelling topics. Reading and writing activities are embedded throughout the board.
- Independent Study: Students many take advantage of a wide spectrum of classes at the ALC by enrolling Dual-Enrolled or Full-Time. This program also offeres Teen Parenting Classes
Programs include Leech Lake Head Start, Early Head Start, Child Care Services, Leech Lake Child Care Aware Baseline, and MN Tribal Resources for Early Childhood Care (MN TREC). Services are available to ages 6 weeks through 5 years.
The American Indian Resource Center is an environment steeped in cultural heritage and tradition – a gathering place that honors the past and helps shape the future. A place to come together and learn for students and community members alike.
Walker: 218-547-1853
Walker Area Community Center
105 Tower Ave
P.O.Box 327
Walker, MN 56484
Deer River: 218-246-3440
500 5th Street SE Deer River, MN 56636
Services provided:
- Health and life skills
- Character and leadership development
- The Arc (Arts and crafts)
- Sports/recreation/fitness
- Education and career
The Pillager Family Center currently serves as a “go-to” for community members. With two offices we serve as the liaison between Cass County and the Pillager School District. Our main office houses our Food Shelf and many County forms and references a community member might need. In addition we offer teleconference video services with County workers, WIC Clinics, Food Shelf, MAC and NAPS distribution, and serve as an information spot. Our satellite office is adjacent to the Pillager Elementary School. From here we coordinate the Little Huskies Daycare, Early Childhood Family Education programs, ECSE, Pre-school, and Head Start. Because we are so centrally located in two different locations, we are able to meet our communities needs in ways other entities may not.
Parking is available in front of the Family Center doors on the south side of Pillager City Hall.
Satellite Office:
Pillager School
323 E. 2nd Street
Pillager, MN 56473
Leech Lake Tribal College provides quality higher education grounded in Anishinaabe values. LLTC provides classes in seven different associate degree programs, two technical programs, and a variety of continuing and community education offerings. Classes offered Monday through Friday.
All Club activities support youth development in at least one of three key program areas:
- Academic success to help youth achieve academic goals, stay in school, explore career interests, learn new skills and consider post-secondary education options.
…Project Learn engages Club members in tutoring, homework help, service projects and fun learning activities.
…Power Hour, ages 6-18, time set aside for working on homework, every day after school.
…Tutoring, ages 6-18, trained tutors work with Club members in specific subject areas.
….Bemidji Area Reading Canines, ages 6-12, read aloud to a specially trained dog to help youth build confidence in their reading skills.
….Technology Lab, ages 6-18, builds digital literacy by teaching kids how to use basic software and be safe online.
….Career Launch, ages 14-18, provides a range of services to guide Club members as they work toward high school graduation and prepare for post-secondary education and career success.
….Money Matters, ages 6-18, builds basic personal money management skills, including budgeting, saving and investing.
….National Fine Arts, ages 6-18, encourages artistic expression through drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, collage, mixed media and sculpture.
2. Healthy lifestyles to help youth engage in positive behaviors that nurture well-being, set personal goals and grow into self-sufficient adults, including daily physical activity, healthy food choices and an appreciation for the outdoors.
….Triple Play activities promote a healthy mind, body and soul.
….Healthy Habits, ages 6-18, incorporates healthy living and active learning in every part of the Club experience with an emphasis on good nutrition, regular physical activity and improving overall well-being.
….Club greenhouse, ages 6-18, on-site greenhouse engages youth in gardening, including cultivation and harvesting, planning healthful meals and snacks and selling fresh produce to area businesses and the Bemidji School District.
….Laketrails, ages 12-18, introduces up to 15 Club members to the wilderness with an eight-day canoeing adventure on Lake of the Woods.
….Goals for Growth, ages 6-12, builds skills needed to set and achieve goals and maintain motivation.
….SMART Moves, ages 6-18, helps youth resist the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, and avoid premature sexual activity.
….Leadership Club, ages 12-18, engages Club members in leadership within the Club. Participants assist Club staff in the gym, game room and kitchen and volunteer within the Club and the community.
3. Character and leadership to empower youth to become engaged in the Club and the community, sustain meaningful relationships, respect one another and participate in the democratic process.
….Torch Club, ages 11-13, a small-group leadership and service club that focuses on service to Club and community, education, health and fitness and social recreation. Clubs can compete nationally for service awards.
….Keystone Club, ages 13-18, provides teens an opportunity to gain leadership and service experience as they conduct activities in three areas: academic success, career exploration and community service.
….Youth of the Year, ages 14-18, to recognize a teen Club member who exemplifies excellence in service to the Club, commitment to community and family, academic success, strong moral character, life goals and public speaking.
….Youth for Unity, ages 6-18, promotes and celebrates diversity while combating prejudice, bigotry and discrimination. Youth of all ages learn to appreciate themselves as unique and special individuals, understand diversity in society, recognize bias and unfairness and take personal leadership confronting bias.
….Year of Service Initiative, ages 6-18, focuses on a variety of events that provide opportunities for youth to engage as volunteers in the community or at the Club.
Registered nurses that offer support to families through education, assessment, skilled nursing, referral networking, and incentives.
We believe in You ~ is the foundation of our home visiting program for any pregnant woman, mother or caregiver of children up to the age of 3. Dads are encouraged to participate and are welcomed. We encourage self development and support positive decision making skills for the strengthening of our families and their futures.
We believe in You ~ when life is going well, complicated or the worst you feel it can be. We are here to help you see the strength you have within. This program supports the Native American families that are IHS eligible as well.
An interagency initiative of the State of Minnesota, Help Me Grow partners with organizations and agencies statewide. Help Me Grow has many resources about the development of young children for parents and professionals. These resources include information on developmental milestones, YouTube videos, caregiver strategies to support development, screening and evaluation, and how to talk about developmental concerns.
Purpose: To raise awareness about stroke and brain injury and enhance the quality of life for all Minnesotans coping with it’s sudden and long term effects. We do this through advocacy and public policy, resource facilitation services – which provide personal one-on-one connection to information and resources, case management, educational and volunteer opportunities, and outreach to underserved and communities of color throughout Minnesota.
The Red Lake Nation Head Start serves 160 children on the reservation. We have two sites. One is located in the Early Childhood Center and one is located in Ponemah.
Our Mission is:
To demonstrate a commitment to young children and their families to assure they have resources and opportunities to succeed.
This is accomplished in a positive learning environment in which they can be creative as well as develop a sense of cultural identity. Our staff will promote the development of academic, social, emotional, and physical skills.
Compassion, Commitment, Integrity, Responsibility
The Mission of Independent School District 309 is to work together to prepare today’s learners for tomorrow’s challenges through: sharing of ideas and acceptance of diversity, efficient use of resources, (including staff, finances, curriculum, physical plant, and technology and area wide support services), thereby providing for maximum academic and personal growth.
Bemidji Area Program for Recovery
(BAPR) is designed to help individuals experiencing difficulty in their lives due
to substance abuse and dependence. Education for domestic violence offenders as well as anger management for adults and juveniles.
Our services address single and multiple substance abuse problems and related mental health concerns.
We are compatible with the philosophy
of 12-step programs.
SERVICE AREAS
Men’s group
Women’s group
Adolescent group
Co-occurring disorders group
Gambling services
Chemical awareness/ diversion class
DWI clinic
After care services
Steps to Freedom at the Beltrami County Jail
We offer outpatient programs and dual diagnosis services for clients with substance abuse and mental issues as well.
Substance Use Assessments/ Rule 25
We offer timely rule 25 assessments and are happy to bill most insurances please call for more information.
Recreation: Camping, lodging, hiking trails, volleyball court, playground, picnic shelter, winter warming house, swimming beach, wheelchair accessible pier fishing, canoe access.
Shelter Space: Space available for reservations: Daily use dining hall for up to 120 people and a picnic shelter.
Services offered at Oshkiimaajitahdah:
-GED/ABE Education
-Career Development Services which includes job readiness and Driver’s Education
-Financial Skills for Families
-Ganawenindiwag (Cultural Program) “Taking Care of Each Other”
-477 Program: Scholarship Assistance, Tribal GA, and Summer Youth Work Program
-TERO Program
-Certified Nursing Assistance Classes
-Welding Courses
-Childcare Program
-Childcare Assistance under both RLN TANF and Tribal Programs
-Emergency Assistance for Families
-Supportive Services for families to gain employment
-Incentives awarded upon completion of various activities
Oshkiimaajitahdah, which means “a new path” or “a new journey” in the Ojibwe language, is a tribal program of the Red Lake Nation that promotes the economic and social well-being of families, children, individuals and community with funding, strategic partnerships, guidance, training and technical assistance.
Locations:
OSHKIIMAAJITAHDAH
P.O. Box 416 Redby, MN 56670
Phone: (218) 679-3350
Toll Free: (888) 404-0686
Fax: (218) 679-4317
OSHKIIMAAJITAHDAH BEMIJIGAMAAG
520 4th St. NW Bemidji, MN 56601
P.O. Box 1497 Bemidji, MN 56619
Phone: (218) 444-2883
Fax: (218) 444-7597