21st Century After School and Summer School Grant Renewed
Home By Jessica HutchisonJuly 29,2025 21st Century After School and Summer School Grant Renewed Lac Courte Oreilles, Wis. – The Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe Schools received notice that the 21st Century after school and summer school grant renewal application has been awarded. This was one of the funding sources which will allow us to continue our after-school programs as well as annual summer school support for kids and families. We will also be posting a part time (25 hour a week, 46 week) Program Coordinator position that will be managing the program. For more information on the Program Coordinator position, see the job description to the right or contact: Preston ‘Stony’ Larson, HR DirectorLac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe Schools Phone: 715-634-8924, ext 1225 OR Jessica Hutchison, SuperintendentLac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe Schools Phone: 715-634-8924, ext 1229 Back To All News
Transportation Driver Wanted For The Clinic
Home LAC COURTE OREILLES COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER 9940 N County Hwy K, Hayward, Wisconsin 54843-2186 Telephone: 715-638-5102 Fax: 715-634-6107 www.lcohc.com On the Road to Better Health – At the heart of every journey we make is the well-being of the people we serve in our community. As a driver for healthcare appointments, you’re not just behind the wheel—you’re helping someone access the care they need, when they need it. Whether it’s a routine check-up, a vital treatment session, your role is essential. The trust patients place in our drivers goes beyond transportation—it’s about delivering comfort, reliability, and a sense of security on the road. If you’re passionate about making a difference, ensuring that patients receive the care they deserve, and want to be part of a team that truly values compassion, we want you on our team here at the Lac Courte Oreilles Community Health Center Employment opportunity: Healthcare Transportation Driver – MTM Certified Collaborative Work Environment State-of-the-Art Facility Competitive Pay Generous Benefits Package (Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Short/Long Term Disability, Life insurance, PTO, paid Holidays, paid CE credits & more!) Apply today and bring your talent where it’s truly valued. Please visit the LCO Health Center website for full job description and list of qualifications. Applications may be obtained from and submitted to: Lac Courte Oreilles Community Health Center Human Resources 9940N County Hwy K Hayward, WI 54843 (715) 638-5132 healthcenter@lcohc.com Back To All News
Five Year Accreditation Review at the LCO School
Home By Jessica HutchisonJuly 21, 2025 Five Year Accreditation Review at the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe School Boozhoo Parents, Families, and Community Members! The 2025-2026 school year marks an exciting time for the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe School, its students and staff, and the entire community. This year we will celebrate 50 years of education at the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe School, and we have some exciting celebrations that are in the works to mark the half century of indigenous learning that has taken place. Please stay tuned for more information on how families and community members can join in the celebration! This year we will also be undergoing the school accreditation process that is required of all Bureau of Indian Education schools every 5 years. An accreditation review is a process that schools undergo as a way to ensure that the major components of quality education are being met, to identify areas in need of improvement, and to help formulate long term plans for the future. The LCO school has successfully maintained accreditation for at least two decades and we are confident that this status will continue long into the future. The accreditation process is being led by the School Leadership team, a working group composed of program directors, administration, veteran teachers, and student support personnel, and is guided by the COGNIA Accreditation Framework. Being nationally accredited means that LCO is a legitimate and reputable school, where students can be assured that they are receiving an education that is transferable to college or career. Accreditation also guarantees that LCO remains eligible for federal and state financial support and that graduates are eligible for federal financial aid and scholarships. During the accreditation process, the curriculum, instruction and student support services are reviewed, with a heavy focus on data, observation, and stakeholder feedback. The Waadookodaading Ojibwe Language Immersion program is a partner in the review process. The LCO accreditation review process began last spring with the request for parent feedback via an electronic survey. This survey will again be available for parents and guardians at the Fall Open House on August 21st. Additionally, students will be asked to complete surveys when school resumes. Classroom observations will also be a component of the review process in the early part of the school year. The accreditation review process will culminate with a virtual school engagement visit on November 13th, 2025, where parents, students and staff will be asked to participate in round table discussion facilitated by the independent reviewer. After the review is completed, the school will receive a summary report which will assist in continuous improvement on identified goals and objectives until the next review in 2030 takes place. This report will be shared with the community and will be available on our school website which also has a link to our previous review in 2021. If you have questions about the review process or would like to volunteer to complete the parent survey or participate in the round table discussion, please contact Jessica Hutchison at jessica.hutchison@lcoosk12.org or 715-634-8924, ext. 1229. Back To All News
Waadookodaading is Hiring!
Home WE’RE HIRING! JOINOURTEAM Middle School Ojibwe Language Medium Lead Teacher Ojibwe Language Medium Teacher Assistant REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Valid WI Teaching License and/or ability to procure. Experience working with K-8 students. Ability to use the Ojibwe Language to interact. with Waadookodaading students and staff at all times. Proficiency with computers and other classroom technology Visit www.waadookodaading.org for how to apply. WAADOOKODAADING LEAD TEACHER PHILOSOPHY The Ojibwe Medium Lead Classroom Teacher is the backbone of the instructional and educational experience of the Waadookodaading Academic Program. Lead Teachers are the primary individuals responsible for the application of skills, knowledge, and a unique Anishinaabe consciousness that supports and extends educational experience for the students of the community. Back To All News
Cannabis Education and Economic Growth Take Root at Lac Courte Oreilles
Home Cannabis Education and Economic Growth Take Root at Lac Courte Oreilles Cannabis production efforts move forward with hands-on learning at LCOOU LCOOU and LCO CAN Representative at the Prairie Island Cannabis Operations tour: Tony Lopit, Richard Scharp, Jonathon Stone, Ashley Stone, Tom Beaudin, Nicole Carley, Thi Le, David Denasha, Valerie Hugo, Amanda Scheel, Tony Roach, Shannon Louden, Melissa Kagigebi, LaVerne Martin, Michael Isham III, Charisma Allen. | Photo submitted by Thi Le. LAC COURTE OREILLES, Wis. – Economic development remains a priority for the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians as the Tribe works to strengthen its sovereignty and reduce dependency on federal funding. One of the initiatives gaining traction is the Tribe’s investment in cannabis production and workforce education. In a move to prepare Tribal Members for careers in the cannabis industry, the LCO Cannabis Advisory Network (LCO CAN) has teamed up with Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University (LCOOU) to offer a Cannabis Science Community Education one-off pilot class. The class, now in session, has drawn more than 20 students ready to gain foundational knowledge in this fast-growing sector. A three-credit course is also being offered this fall for students who wish to continue their studies at the LCOOU. As part of the program, students and members of LCO CAN recently traveled to Minnesota to tour the cannabis facility operated by the Prairie Island Indian Community. The site visit offered participants a behind-the-scenes look at a fully integrated cannabis operation — from cultivation and processing to product formulation, packaging, distribution, and retail. LCO Vice-Chairman Bill Trepanier expressed his excitement in a statement, “I’m proud to support our Tribe’s cannabis program-not just as an economic opportunity, but as a way to educate and empower our next generation. Seeing the students from LCOOU visit the Prairie Island cannabis facility was inspiring. It gave them firsthand insight into the science, business, and sovereignty behind this industry. These experiences are planting seeds-not just in the ground, but in the minds of our youth. This is how we grow a future rooted in knowledge, innovation, and self-determination.” LCOOU and LCO CAN Representative at the Prairie Island Cannabis Operations tour: Tony Lopit, Richard Scharp, Jonathon Stone, Ashley Stone, Tom Beaudin, Nicole Carley, Thi Le, David Denasha, Valerie Hugo, Amanda Scheel, Tony Roach, Shannon Louden, Melissa Kagigebi, LaVerne Martin, Michael Isham III, Charisma Allen. | Photo submitted by Thi Le. “This tour was extremely well received by everyone who participated,” said Thi Le, a member of LCO CAN. “Members even asked if there were opportunities for them to get hands-on experience, which aligns with some of the engagement opportunities we’ve been developing through LCO CAN.” Our goal is that with the right training and infrastructure, cannabis production can become a key revenue stream and employment generator for the LCO community. Future expansions of the program may include internships, business development support, and advanced coursework in cannabis entrepreneurship. Back To All News
Summer Youth Programs Offered From LCOOU Extension
Home 2025 LCOOU Extension Summer Youth Programs Lac Courte Oreilles, Wis. – There is still time to register and participate in either the NSTI or FANH Club! These 3 week programs are perfect for any youth who are looking for something to do (& learn!) this summer. National Summer Transportation Institute (NSTI) 7/7/25 – 7/24/2025 (Grades 9 & 10) Food, Agriculture, Natural Resources, & Health Services (FANH Club) 7/7/2025 – 7/24/2025 (Grades 6-8) Register For The Event Here For more information see the flyer attached or visit the Facebook page. Back To All News
LCO TGB 2025 Inauguration
Home Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Governing Board 2025 Inauguration AGENDA WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 2025 | 10:00AM SEVENWINDS CASINO CONVENTION CENTER 13767 W County Highway B, Hayward, WI, 54843 WELCOME SONG: Badger Singers INVOCATION: Dennis White TRIBAL GOVERNING BOARD OATHS OF OFFICE: Jordan St. Germaine Don Carley Janet Quaderer Lorraine Gouge HONOR SONG: Badger Singers RECEPTION / LUNCH AGENDA AGENDA WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 2025 | 10:00AM SEVENWINDS CASINO CONVENTION CENTER 13767 W County Highway B, Hayward, WI, 54843 WELCOME SONG: Badger Singers INVOCATION: Dennis White TRIBAL GOVERNING BOARD OATHS OF OFFICE: Jordan St. Germaine Don Carley Janet Quaderer Lorraine Gouge HONOR SONG: Badger Singers RECEPTION / LUNCH The Tribal Administration Offices will be closed at 10:00 AM. Back To All News
1st Annual Aginjibagwesi Owadiswan Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe Language Camp
Home 1st Annual Aginjibagwesi Owadiswan Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe Language Camp Lac Courte Oreilles, Wis. – July 23-25, 2025 – Aginjibagwesi Owadiswan Language Camp – The Nest of the Language Keepers is dedicated to the revitalization and preservation of the Ojibwe language and culture through immersive, hands-on experiences. Please join us for our 1st Annual Ojibwe Language Camp to be held July 23-25, 2025. This three-day immersive experience is all about revitalizing Ojibwemowin through language, culture, and community. Whether you’re just starting out or deepening your journey, you’ll leave knowing more than when you came – and feeling more connected, supported, and inspired. The language camp will also serve as a professional development opportunity for administrators and teachers of Indigenous pupils. Our camp is free and open to the public. If you are planning on attending, even if it’s for just one day, please fill out our registration form to help plan meals, etc. Miigwech!! Contact: Aginjibagwesi Owadiswan Planning CommitteeEmail: aginjibagwesiowadiswan@gmail.com Register here:Aginjibagwesi Owadiswan Language Camp Registration Link to the Facebook Event Back To All News
Honoring a Legacy of Service
Home Honoring a Legacy of Service Dale Debrot Retires After 54 Years of Service Tim Debrot presenting gifts to Dale Debrot on behalf of the LCO CHC. LAC COURTE OREILLES, Wis. – June 24, 2025 – The Lac Courte Oreilles Community Health Center (LCO CHC) proudly honored Dale Debrot, a long-serving and highly respected employee, at a special retirement celebration recognizing his remarkable 54-years of service. LCO CHC HR Director Sara Klecan and Director ScottJohnson recognizing Dale Debrot’s work and service toLCO CHC for the past 39 years. His commitment to service began well before joining the clinic. Debrot served two years in the United States Army at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. His excellence in the field was recognized nationally in 1993, when he received the Radiologist of the Year award from Indian Health Services. Dale Debrot and Family attending his retirement partyhosted at the Sevenwinds Conference Center by theLCO CHC. “Dale brought consistency, dedication, and a great sense of quiet humor,” said Sara Klecan, LCO CHC Human Resources Director. “You will be missed dearly. Your shoes will be impossible to fill.” Chi-Miigwech Dale! We thank you for your service and wish you the best in your well-earned retirement! Back To All News
MIIN Ojibwe Educator Scholarship Fund
Home FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDate: June 20, 2025By: Jessica Wagner-Schultz, Director of Institutional Advancement, Marketing & Communication Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University, jwschultz@lco.edu715.634.4790 x186 (O) MIIN Ojibwe Educator Scholarship Fund (Lac Courte Oreilles, WI) – June 20, 2025 – Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University (LCOOU) is excited to announce the creation of the MIIN Ojibwe Educator Scholarship. The Midwest Indigenous Immersion Network (MIIN) has committed to $13,875 to establish the fund supporting up to two $3,600 scholarships to selected students from the fund each semester. MIIN is a Native American-led, Minnesota-based 501c3 dedicated to the revitalization of the Ojibwe and other indigenous languages. Our mission is to assist Ojibwe language programs in communicating and collaborating to collectively address common needs. Eshkam igo giwiidookodaadimin nawaj weweni wii-mashkawendami’idiyang wii-gashkitooyang da-ganawendamang yo’ow gaa-pi-miinigoowiziyang, gidinwewininaan. Mii imaa ge-izhi’angwaa ingiw giijanishinaabeminaanig wii-ni-nitaawewaad gewiinawaa oniigaaniimiwaang. To support their network, MIIN organizes and facilitates professional development opportunities, learning material creation, sharing and distribution, recruitment of staff and students, and the collection of educational data. The scholarship will support students who have demonstrated an intent to attain a teaching license, with a focus on Ojibwe immersion education. LCOOU’s Elementary/Middle School Education Program will focus on preparing teachers, increasing Native American teacher retention rates in Wisconsin, increasing Ojibwe immersion teachers, and increasing the diversity of teachers. “This scholarship opportunity is a significant act of support for future educators in our communities. The Bachelor of Science in Elementary/Middle School Education is a program that has been consistently highlighted in conversations with tribal governments, our elders, and the greater community. We are very proud of the combined effort of the Native American Studies and Education Departments to create an Ojibwemowin track for this degree. It is a fundamental step in taking the work of language revitalization here at LCO and beyond to a higher level. Miigwech to MIIN for your contributions to support immersion education students at LCOOU” shares Karen Breit, Interim President at LCOOU. Teachers graduating from the LCOOU Education Program will know, understand, implement, and assess the cultural experience of all children by integrating Culturally Responsive Schooling and implementing social justice education. Teachers will be prepared to assist children with space-based education and land-based education by being aware of our connection to the earth and the importance of protecting natural resources. A reciprocal obligation not only to our earth but to each other will be emphasized by utilizing Indigenous Knowledge Systems. Graduates with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary/Middle School Education could pursue a career as a licensed elementary school teacher, daycare administrator, preschool teacher, Ojibwe immersion teacher, or substitute teacher. “We are incredibly grateful be partnered with LCOOU and the Henry Luce Foundation to offer a teacher licensing track with an emphasis on Ojibwe language immersion! We are happy to offer this and future scholarships to support our future Ojibwe educators.” – Gimiwan Dustin Burnette, MIIN President Increased scholarship offerings reduce the barriers of tuition and textbook costs for Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University students. This reduction in barriers supports the University’s mission to provide Anishinaabe communities with post-secondary and continuing education while advancing the language, culture, and history of the Ojibwe. To learn more about the Elementary/Middle School Education degree program or to enroll, contact the LCOOU Admissions team at 715-634-4790 or visit the website at https://www.lco.edu/admissions. The scholarship application will be available on the college website, www.lco.edu/scholarships and open to Native American undergraduate students to apply. For further questions, call 715-634-4790 ext. 186 or email advancement@lco.edu. About Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University The Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University’s mission is to provide Anishinaabe communities with post-secondary and continuing education while advancing the language, culture, and history of the Ojibwe. Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University (LCOOU) is a non-profit Ojibwe tribal college. We are an open-door institution that is proud to serve American Indian students. LCOOU welcomes non-native students and celebrates a diverse student population at all of our locations. Learn more at http://lco.edu About MIIN MIIN is a Native American-led, Minnesota-based 501c3 dedicated to the revitalization of the Ojibwe and other indigenous languages. Our mission is to assist Ojibwe language programs in communicating and collaborating to collectively address common needs. Learn more at https://www.miinojibwe.org/ Back To All News