On March 18, the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe School came together with alumni, former staff, families, and community members to celebrate a powerful milestone – 50 years of Ojibwe education, resilience, and self-determination. 

 

The evening began in a good way with a welcome song by the LCO School Drum and an invocation from Dennis White. Superintendent Jessica Hutchison welcomed guests and thanked alumni and supporters for being part of the school’s story – past, present, and future. 

 

Throughout the program, speakers reflected on the school’s beginnings in December 1975, when LCO students bravely walked out of Hayward High School after enduring racism and mistreatment. With the support of families and tribal leaders, those students brought their concerns to the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Governing Board. Within days, plans were set in motion to create a K–12 tribal school where LCO children could learn in a safe environment grounded in culture, respect, and community values. 

 

Becky Taylor, one of the students who walked out, shared memories of her own experiences and honored the students’ courage and the collective effort that led to the school’s founding. She also spoke of the pride she feels being able to return to the Hayward Schools to educate students by sharing our Ojibwe culture through powwows, which offer insight into the importance of song and dance keeping our traditions alive. 

 

Dr. Rick St. Germaine, who served on Tribal Council at the time, spoke about the early challenges of starting the school with very limited resources and the determination it took to keep it going.  He acknowledged the Tribal Governing Board Members at that time along with tribal staff, community volunteers, and parents. “We had to operate for a full year to prove our success before getting funding from the Bureau of Indian Affairs,” said St. Germaine.  He shared his pride in seeing original founders still involved today, alongside their children and grandchildren who now attend the school. 

 

Maryellen Hanlon, one of the school’s first graduates, shared personal experiences of mistreatment in the public school system which spoke to the importance of having a school where Native children are treated with dignity and care. 

 

Midway through the evening, guests were treated to a meal before honoring past graduates. Gifts presented to past graduates included eagle feathers, handmade wooden plaques created by the school’s woodworking class, wild rice, maple syrup, and gift bags. 

 

Closing remarks were offered by Chairman Gary Clause and Lorraine Gouge’, who thanked alumni, staff, and community members for continuing to support the school and its mission. The evening ended with a Traveling Song by the LCO School Drum. 

 

As laughter and stories filled the room, the celebration served as a reminder that the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe School is more than a building – it is a living expression of community strength, cultural pride, and the vision of those who stood up 50 years ago to create something better for future generations. 

 

A special Chi-Miigwech goes out to the organizers of this event: Rosie Gonzalaz, Krysten Sullivan, Bezhig Hunter, and Stephanie Colbo. 

 

More photos can be found on our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AfBXTog6V/