Rdale Honors Indigenous Peoples with Land Acknowledgement and Tribal Flag Display

At its Aug. 18 meeting, the Robbinsdale Area Schools (Rdale) Board of Education took an important step in honoring Indigenous peoples by adopting the regular reading of the district's Land Acknowledgement and installing a permanent display of the flags representing the eleven federally recognized Tribal Nations in Minnesota.

The evening began with a hand drum performance by Nation Wright Sr. (Anishinabe from Leech Lake), and included a warm welcome to members of the district’s American Indian Parent Advisory Council (AIPAC), their families, and the broader Rdale community.

The resolution, approved earlier this month, acknowledges that Rdale resides on the traditional and ancestral homelands of the Dakota and Ojibwe peoples. The Board’s action affirms the district’s commitment to recognition, respect, and equity.

The Land Acknowledgement will now be read by the board chair or a director at each School Board meeting, as well as at other appropriate district events. The display of tribal flags will remain in the Education Service Center (ESC) boardroom as a visible and respectful recognition of the sovereignty and cultural identity of Native Nations.

This historic action reflects Rdale's ongoing efforts to create a welcoming environment for all students, families, and community members.