Milwaukee City Wire

Camp teacher Kalʌna Niko Lee Daniels asked the MPS students gathered in a circle, “With our dance steps, we are trying to look like what?” The students responded, “A robin!” This interaction took place at the First Nations Studies Seeds of Culture Camp held at Mequon Nature Preserve. The camp is designed for Native students from 4th through 8th grade and includes activities aimed at connecting them with their heritage.

The students had just finished a lunch of wild-rice chili and blanket dogs, prepared by Audra Two Thunders' mother. The camp, organized by the First Nations Studies program at Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), aims to foreground Native culture while providing an opportunity for Native students to gather. It is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Indian Education.

By Wednesday, June 26, the students were learning the Oneida/Haudenosaunee robin dance from Daniels, who teaches at Indian Community School in Franklin. Daniels explained that she learned the dance orally 45 years ago at Oneida tribal school. The dance's steps mimic a robin hunting for food, accompanied by Daniels’ traditional rattle.

After practicing indoors, the group moved outside to perform. As they exited, Daniels reminded them to be respectful of nature. She led them in singing traditional lyrics for the robin dance and noted that nearby birds seemed to join in. For the first time during camp, the students sang along. "That’s pretty good! They’re getting comfortable with it," Daniels remarked afterward.

Richanda Kaquatosh, Supervisor of MPS First Nations Studies, commented on how the lesson connected students with their culture: “It’s inside them.” Hannah Perez Edwards, a 4th grader from Humboldt Park School, enjoyed learning the dance because it allowed her to connect with her culture and enjoy movement.

The one-week camp immerses 17 students in Native cultural practices. Meals like wild rice chili and fry bread resonate culturally with participants. Kaquatosh emphasized the importance of knowing one's Native culture as grounding for children.

Other teachers and cultural consultants also contributed to the camp. Audra Two Thunders taught Ojibwe teachings and leather medicine pouch making; Christina Ramirez instructed printmaking around traditional medicines; Amy Tromp led lessons about Wisconsin's First Nations; Paul Ninham taught Indigenous games like lacrosse; and Menominee elder John Teller Sr provided lessons on Menominee culture.

Nature preserve staff guided daily outdoor activities in various ecosystems at Mequon Nature Preserve. This setting allowed students to learn about native plants and traditional ecological knowledge relevant to their ancestors’ way of life.

Kaquatosh highlighted that learning to be stewards of nature strengthens students' connection to their heritage: “In Native cultures, everyone and everything is connected.” She concluded by noting that such initiatives nurture future leaders within these communities.