Honoring Thomas Stillday Jr.: A Legacy of Cultural Resistance and Education

Honoring Thomas Stillday Jr.: A Legacy of Cultural Resistance and Education

On a breezy August day in 1985, Thomas Stillday Jr., a revered spiritual leader and council member of the Red Lake Nation, made a memorable visit to a high school in Red Lake. Within the warm, inviting confines of the principal’s office, he engaged with faculty members, stressing the importance of embracing the rich culture of the Red Lake Nation. This was not just a meeting; it was a call to action, aimed at a predominantly white faculty eager to understand the cultural nuances that enriched their students‘ backgrounds. His own children were in high school, and his son excelled as a player on the esteemed Warrior conference champion football team. It was clear that Stillday believed education should reflect the vibrant tapestry of its community, blending respect for the Ojibwe language and culture into the fabric of the curriculum. Bemidji Area Schools began to listen, expanding their own Ojibwe language program in response to his urgent appeal for more cultural activities and language classes (Bemidji Pioneer).

Fast forward to today, where the Red Lake Ojibwe language remains a cornerstone of the community’s identity. The Red Lake Band of Chippewa is doubling down on efforts to ensure that the Ojibwe language, or Anishinaabemowin, continues to thrive. Language camps, initially launched in Ponemah, have extended throughout tribal lands, reinforcing a strong cultural connection among younger generations. The Endazhi-Nitaawiging Charter School, which opened in Fall 2022, symbolizes a significant stride in this mission, offering an immersive Ojibwe education for students from grades K-5. Clearly, it’s a critical step in nurturing the next wave of fluent speakers who will carry the language forward (The Talk List).

Cultural Heritage and Identity

Reflecting on the past, many tribes, including the Wisconsin Menominee, have faced daunting challenges to their cultural identities. In the 1950s, the Menominee Termination Act threatened to obliterate their heritage, a fate that numerous tribes have narrowly escaped. The Red Lake Band’s perseverance stands out, having maintained their language and customs even during an era filled with forced assimilation. Yet, challenges remain; there are approximately 675 fluent Ojibwe speakers across Minnesota, with just 400 residing in Red Lake (The Talk List).

Educational initiatives play a crucial role in reversing these trends. Professor Brendan Fairbanks, alongside his colleagues at the University of Minnesota’s Department of American Indian Studies, is fervently dedicated to addressing the decline of the Ojibwe language. Their programs aim to inspire Native students, especially those from reservations, leveraging their cultural heritage to bolster higher education enrollment. Through the American Indian Summer Institute, they introduce students to the joys of indigenous languages while preparing them for academic success (University of Minnesota).

The Path Forward

Fairbanks‘ teachings highlight a vital principle: language preservation starts in the home. He encourages parents to learn and impart the Ojibwe language to their children, arguing that without an environment rich in the language, the inevitable dominance of English poses a significant threat to this vital cultural asset. The collaboration with community elders enriches his teaching, emphasizing a quality education that resonates with heritage (University of Minnesota).

As we reflect on the words of Thomas Stillday Jr., who passed away in 2008 but left an indelible mark on the Red Lake Nation, it becomes apparent that embracing diversity is key. The narrative of the Ojibwe language is not just about survival; it’s about celebrating a rich heritage that connects generations. In the spirit of Stillday, the ongoing efforts of individuals and educational institutions alike resonate with a call: recognize individual differences and embrace the vibrant threads that weave the cultural fabric of our community.