- Details
- By Darren Thompson
WAUSAU, Wis.—The Wausau School District’s Board of Education hosted a public forum Monday evening after one of its teachers was photographed dressing up as an “Indian” while teaching history earlier this month.
Koen Johnson, a student and a member of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, snuck his personal cell phone into class to take a picture of the Sept. 22 incident, which has many people in the region outraged.
Want more Native News? Get the free daily newsletter today.
“Students, we would like to recognize a huge mistake we made during our last large group, ‘Who Discovered America’,” the Wausau School District said in a statement on September 24. “In our attempt to create a fun learning environment, we failed to recognize a disrespectful show of the culture and heritage of the people we portrayed.”
Biskakone Greg Johnson, Koen’s father, spoke at the public forum. He confirmed that Koen had taken the photo and told Native News Online, “The school board gave us each three minutes to talk. How are we supposed to address what they allowed to happen ... in three minutes?”
The Wausau School District will not be releasing the name of the teacher involved, according to spokesperson Diana White.
The open forum drew people from around the region including high school students, educators, parents, leaders, and members of the Lac du Flambeau Band and other Tribes. Some speakers voiced their concerns about ongoing racism and dehumanization of Native Americans.
“I am outraged, and that would imply that I’m surprised, but I am not,” said Ho-Chunk Nation District 1 Representative Karina Thundercloud during the forum. “I am ashamed. First, for the teacher who did this. Second, for myself and my colleagues and the fact that we haven’t taught our neighbors that this isn’t proper.”
Help us tell Native stories that get overlooked by other media.
“These costumes and stereotypes dehumanize us,” former Wausau Board of Education member Tricia Zunker said to Native News Online. “There is a correlation between the dehumanization and the growing epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous persons and that needs to be taught to address this ongoing issue that has plagued our communities since the settlers came.”
Many commenters expressed disappointment about the Wausau School District’s lack of a public apology and that the next generation deserves better. Native American leaders called on the school district to make changes to its curriculum and hire a diversity and inclusion manager.
The school district issued a statement on Monday night that said, “The Wausau School District’s mission is to advance student learning, achievement, and success. That’s why work is beginning in the District to review curriculum, and its delivery, to ensure it is respectful to all cultures and heritages. With these changes, the District will be providing ongoing professional learning for all staff. We are committed to ensuring all students thrive and there will be positive changes.”
“The statement issued by the school board was extremely disappointing,” Zunker said. “It says nothing.”
EDITOR: This story has been updated to reflect the school board's statement that it would not be releasing the name of the teacher involved.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsNative News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Navajo Nation Agriculture Dept. Warns Farmers and Ranchers to Disregard Communications from CKP Insurance
Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Forwards Patrice Kunesh's Nomination to Chair The National Indian Gaming Commission to Senate for a Vote
Tribal Leaders Press Lawmakers for Solutions to Solve MMIW Crisis
Support Independent Indigenous Journalism That Holds Power to Account
With the election now decided, Native News Online is recommitting to our core mission: rigorous oversight of federal Indian policy and its impact on tribal communities.
The previous Trump administration’s record on Indian Country — from the reduction of sacred sites to aggressive energy development on tribal lands — demands heightened vigilance as we enter this new term. Our Indigenous-centered newsroom will provide unflinching coverage of policies affecting tribal sovereignty, sacred site protection, MMIR issues, water rights, Indian health, and economic sovereignty.
This critical watchdog journalism requires resources. Your support, in any amount, helps maintain our independent, Native-serving news coverage. Every contribution helps keep our news free for all of our relatives. Please donate today to ensure Native News Online can thrive and deliver impactful, independent journalism.