MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — The 2026 South Dakota Indian Education Summit will take place Nov. 12 at the Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center in Pierre, bringing administrators, educators and college students together to support Native American student success.
The 23rd annual summit’s theme is “Okiciyapi — All the People United in Helping Each Other!” Sessions will focus on strengthening awareness of Oceti Sakowin history, values and culture while developing strategies to improve educational outcomes.
Russell Eagle Bear will deliver the keynote address. A cultural preservation advocate for the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Eagle Bear has served as the tribe’s historic preservation officer and presidential cultural liaison.
His work includes teaching Lakota history and traditions, protecting culturally and spiritually significant places, and helping return ancestral remains, including children’s remains from the Carlisle Indian Industrial School.
A featured session, “Human-Shaped Learning and Indigenous Wisdom,” will explore learning through observation, storytelling, identity, belonging and community responsibility.
Office of Indian Education Director Fred Osborn said the summit’s speakers and resources will reinforce the importance of teaching Oceti Sakowin values, culture and history in classrooms.
Where Can I Find More Information?
Additional summit information is available at southdakotaies.com. Questions may be emailed to Fred.Osborn@state.sd.us.