State of Montana Newsroom
Superintendent Arntzen Celebrates Indian Education for All
HELENA – Superintendent Elsie Arntzen will celebrate Indian Education for All (IEFA) in the Montana State Capitol Rotunda on February 13, 2023, from 9:00 AM to 12:45 PM. According to Article X of the Montana Constitution, “the state recognizes the distinct and unique cultural heritage of the American Indians and is committed in its educational goals to the preservation of their cultural integrity.” This celebration will include the introduction of the 2023 Montana Proud Poster Series, which highlights Native American educators in Montana. These posters will be available for display in schools across Montana.
“This a great opportunity to showcase our Montana Constitutional promise of Indian Education for All in action,” said Superintendent Elsie Arntzen. “The Montana Proud Poster Series honors Native teachers around Montana that have made significant impacts on our students. I encourage all legislators, educators, families, and community members to join me in celebrating Indian Education for All.”
The IEFA Celebration will begin at 9:00 AM with table displays from the following exemplary IEFA teachers:
- Linda Rost, Science teacher in Baker and Montana’s 2020 Teacher of the Year
- Dylan Huisken, History teacher in Bonner and Montana’s 2019 Teacher of the Year
- Daisy Carlsmith, Assistant to Directors/Instructor at the Western Montana Professional Learning Collaborative
Then, at 10:00 AM Chontay Standing Rock from Rocky Boy’s Reservation will offer a flag song. Superintendent Arntzen will give remarks and present the 2023 Montana Proud Poster Series as well as the candidates who are in attendance. The poster series will feature:
- Fort Peck Reservation Members:
- Mandy Smoker Broaddus
- Roger White Jr (Wamni Jusina – Little Eagle)
- Flathead Reservation Members:
- Jason Smith
- Michael Marie Munson, Ed.D.
- Blackfeet Reservation Members:
- Roger MadPlume
- Brenda Johnston
- Meredith K Hecker
- Reyna Monteau
- Rocky Boy’s Reservation Member:
- John Murie
- Crow Reservation Members:
- Shane Doyle
- Christian Takes The Gun
- Little Shell Chippewa Tribe Member:
- Shelby Cole
- Fort Belknap Reservation Member:
- Robe Walker