Guiding Our Path Forward
vision
At Kickapoo Nation School, we envision a thriving community where every student is deeply connected to their cultural roots and actively engaged in environmental stewardship. We strive to empower our students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to honor our heritage while leading the way in environmental justice and sustainability for future generations. Our curriculum incorporates project-based and hands-on approaches to engage and empower our students, equipping them with the educational foundation and a strong sense of tribal-identity needed to excel in any future pursuit they undertake.Mission Statement
Kickapoo Nation School is dedicated to providing a holistic education that empowers students from kindergarten through 12th grade to excel academically, culturally, and environmentally. Our mission is to cultivate lifelong learners who are proud of their unique and tribal identity and equipped to champion environmental justice. Through a curriculum rooted in culture, language, and innovative environmental practices, we aim to inspire our students to become responsible leaders and advocates for a sustainable future.Core Values
Cultural Identity
We honor and integrate the traditions, languages, and practices of the Kickapoo Nation and sibling Nations into all aspects of our educational experience, fostering a sense of identity and pride in our students. At KNS we implement the Four Pillars and teachings of Gathering of Native Americans (GONA): Belonging, Mastery, Interdependence, and Generosity.Belonging
teaches us about the importance of feeling connected and valued within our community and culture. It emphasizes the idea that every student has a place and purpose within our school.Mastery
Mastery is about understanding how our community's past affects us today and finding ways to grow and become stronger together. It encourages us to learn, improve our skills, and support each other in becoming the best we can be.interdependence
highlights the interconnectedness of all living beings, land, water, air, and the importance of supporting and relying on each other. It reinforces the notion that we are stronger together and thrive through collaboration and mutual respect.Generosity
goes beyond material giving; it encompasses sharing knowledge, time, and compassion with others. It instills the value of giving back to the community and contributing to the well-being of all.Environmental Stewardship
Our commitment to environmental stewardship guides us to teach and actively engage in sustainable living practices. We prioritize respecting and preserving our natural resources while advocating for the protection and restoration of our environment for future generations. At Kickapoo Nation School, we believe that every individual and all living things on grandmother earth deserve respect.language
At Kickapoo Nation School we believe the teaching of our Kickapoo language cannot be understated. Our tribal languages serve as a fundamental aspect of cultural identity, connecting students to their roots as indigenous people. The teaching of Kickapoo language preserves not just words, but a profound link to our history and worldview. Language shapes how our students perceive and interact with the world around them, providing a unique perspective on relationships, the natural world, and community. Fluency in the Kickapoo language empowers youth to engage more deeply with their culture, build stronger bonds within their communities, and navigate the complexities of being Indigenous in a rapidly changing world. The preservation and revitalization of our languages are vital for maintaining cultural resilience, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging among our youth.