Past Repeating Itself? Menominee Girl Suspended for Speaking Language

Matthew L.M. Fletcher

Here.

3 thoughts on “Past Repeating Itself? Menominee Girl Suspended for Speaking Language”

  1. Martha Nell Grant Thomson February 3, 2012 / 12:21 pm

    I am totally shocked by the response of the teachers & school in this case. Although I totally understand the need for “security” – this is waaaaaayyyyy beyond the bounds – The line in the story which “blows my mind” is that 60% of the school population is Menominee. What a wonderful opportunity the school has been missing out on – What an opportunity to play a possitive role in the lives of individuals, (both native & non-native) communities & the nation. The school could be a show case for education – education which promotes pride of culture and diversity – use of multiply languages – knowledge of history, etc. If the teachers want/need to know what is being said – put the responsibility on them to learn “basic” Menominee – make it a policy to hire Menomiee teachers – PROMOTE THE LANGUAGE – rather than punish for it’s use. IF ANYONE HAS AN ATTITUTE PROBLEM – it seems to be that of the school & the teachers. FYI – I am a member of the Cherokee Nation – my parents were teachers in the BIA system in residential school – I am a minister of the United Church of Canada – which has been active in seeking justice & rebuilding relationships.

  2. Rich Bergeron February 15, 2012 / 8:58 pm

    What this really shows is the still-wide gap between Indian people and European Americans. I know that in Dakota, there is no way to use foul language. It just isn’t there. A Dakota speaker has to use English to say “bad” things like F-you. I suspect Menominee is the same way. And European Americans do’t even learn these kinds of things. Now, THERE is a chance for real education.

  3. Lexi February 25, 2012 / 3:16 am

    My heart goes out to this poor girl. I can’t imagine having a teacher talk to me like that. I’m native as well and I’ve been bullied at school for years but never had a teacher say anything.
    How can this teacher not expect the kids to speak and participate in their culture? Its who they are for crying out loud. Its like going to another country and expecting them to speak english just because you do.
    If that teacher seriously has a problem with the Menominee language being spoken then she needs to teach else where.

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