Education Meet and Greet

Nearly 150 area District 1 educators were honored by District I Representative Virgil Wind.

Educators gather for our community and our children

By MARY SAM

On November 30, 2022, nearly 150 educators and school board members from Onamia, Nay Ah Shing Schools, the Mille Lacs Area Early Childhood Programs, Mid-State District and Central Lakes College filled the new District I Community Center to meet Mille Lacs Band families and fellow educators, and come together for our community, and our children.

In a passionate welcome, event host District I Representative Virgil Wind told area educators that he was honored to have them visit the Mille Lacs Band community so they would feel welcome and learn a bit more about Ojibwe gatherings in order to further the success of our children. Representative Wind provided a reflection into his own past, noting “over the course of our lives, we all face obstacles.” He shared his philosophy, including his vision “to be stronger together” and the need to lift each other up. He thanked educators for attending as “your faces here tonight reflect that you care about our kids, our youth, and our community.” Throughout the event, the theme of the evening circled around caring for one another, and finding new ways to stretch and step out of our comfort zones.

Wind said he wants to “give back," to say “Miigwech for those who embrace kids.” He described himself as a “little rat” in the 1980s, as his family went through a difficult time having lost the grandparents who were raising him. “They left me grieving and lost, and I acted out a lot. I didn’t know how to feel grief and deal with such painful loss.” He described educators stepping up to help him, gesturing to those in the room who helped him along the way. Wind took this opportunity to thank an Onamia retired teacher, Tim DeYoung, for saving his life. “He fought for me, believed in me, and got me back on track.” Educators at times step into a much-needed role. Wind gifted his former teacher with a star quilt blanket. “I wouldn’t be here today, doing what I am doing, if Tim wouldn’t have invested in me.”

Joe Nayquonabe Sr.'s invocation reminded everyone to learn to thank one another; our teachers, our educators, “because they do a lot for us and our kids. They help our children pursue a good life and happiness.” Joe closed by reminding all in attendance “we need to help our community live together, to come together and to do good.” The energy in the room reinforced the passion to work harder — together.

Incoming Onamia School Board members weighed in on the evening. Richard Bloomer shared, “When you dare to cross invisible lines and get to know each other, break down barriers and reduce fear, isolation, and loneliness, we can help kids succeed.”

Mike Balder shared he was honored to be in attendance, “To meet others, learn about each other, and to create inclusion. We can’t go anywhere without relationships.”

Nay Ah Shing School Board member Sami Thomas was happy with the turnout for the evening, noting, "Our kids are moldable and it all starts with good relationships. This begins with us.”

Mille Lacs Band Commissioner of Education Niiyo Gonzalez thanked attendees for staying in the education field during the pandemic and also thanked those who are new to the profession just starting out. “I appreciate all that you do for our students.”

Les Gahbow, Bobby Eagle Sr., Bobby Eagle Jr., and Gabriel Gahbow sang an honor song for all educators. Les said he was pretty excited to see this gathering. “There is no better way to honor and show gratitude for their hard work and dedication in teaching our children to learn. We appreciate your relentless work to help sharpen and get these young minds ready for what is in store for them as adults. Without your hard work, our children would be in a world of chaos, so we sing for you tonight.”

Onamia parent Bobby Eagle Sr. thanked all educators for their amazing dedication to building amazing young brightminded youth for our future.

Representative Wind honors Onamia retired teacher Tim DeYoung, who had a huge impact on his life.