Superintendent Arntzen Sponsors the Tribal Nation Education Summit and Youth Leadership Conference at MSU-Billings

• Brian O'Leary
• March 31 2023

HELENA – Superintendent Arntzen with the Office of Public Instruction’s newest Indian Education unit, the Tribal Student Achievement, Relations, and Resiliency (TSARR) are proud to hold the inaugural Tribal Nation Education Summit in conjunction with the statewide Youth Leadership Conference. Both events will be held on the Montana State University-Billings campus in Billings, Montana.

• The Education Summit will take place from 9:00 AM on April 5, 2023, to 3:00 PM on April 6, 2023
• The Youth Conference will take place from 1:00 PM on April 4, 2023, to 3:00 PM on April 6, 2023

Over 200 students will be in attendance with 70 plus tribal and district leaders, knowledge keepers, and support staff.

“These cultural events will bring our tribal leaders, elders, and youth together to create a stronger future for our Tribal Nations and our state,” said Superintendent Elsie Arntzen. “This summit will emphasize the authentic involvement of tribal voices as we strive to make change, offer support, and help students not only succeed in education but live longer successful lives.”

Montana Indian Education is promised in Article X of our 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 unique cultural heritage is held by our Tribal Leaders, our Knowledge Keepers (Elders), established educators, and language speakers within our Tribal Nations.

The Youth Leadership Conference is a celebration of resiliency with a student-designed and led conference. The Resilience in Something Else (RISE) group was created during the pandemic as a virtual leadership team of students and schools. It has evolved into a conference centered on strength, beauty, and excitement. RISE is a unified conversation between adults and youth leading to a stronger future.

The goal of these coinciding events is to bring tribal and district decision-makers to the table to develop plans and showcase solutions for improved success and well-being of our Montana youth. The tribal leaders will join with students to share their perspectives over the three day conference.

For more information, please contact Donnie Wetzel, Jr., Director of Tribal Student Achievement, Relations, and Resiliency, at dwetzel2@mt.govor (406) 444-4527.