05/28/2026
****This page is ran by the Brainerd American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC) and does not represent the district or district employee views. ****
This is the email sent to Brainerd Public Schools requesting an immediate response regarding the refusal to have the drum at graduation and the AIPAC request that the drum be reinstated. Unfortunately, we have been subjected to a short timeline to respond to this denial after at least five years of preparation and supportive collaboration to make this dream a reality. Let the district know to include our drum honoring in the graduation on May 29th.
Boozhoo Superintendent Grant and Dr. Boser,
I am writing to you today in my role as Chair of the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC).
It has come to our attention that the longstanding plan to include an Ojibwe honor song at graduation has been denied for this year’s ceremony despite years of collaboration, planning, and relationship-building between students, families, community members, Tribal relations, and the district.
For the past five years, this has been an explicit goal that students, families, community members, Tribal partners, and district staff have worked toward together. That work included the creation of a district drum, years of student preparation and practice, and the development of a plan that would come at no cost to the district. Previous district leadership, including the former superintendent and BHS administration, were aware of and supportive of this long-term vision once the students were ready.
In April 2025, BHS administration, in collaboration with Indigenous Education staff and AIPAC, approved the involvement of our drum group for the 2026 graduation ceremony. Our Indigenous Education Coordinator informed both of you of this approval during your March 6 meeting, at which time the response given was that this plan was previously unknown to current administration.
While we understand transitions in leadership occur, it is deeply concerning that long-term student and community commitments were not carried forward through succession planning and administrative transition. The responsibility to maintain continuity on district-supported initiatives should not fall solely on students, families, or community members who have spent years working toward these goals in good faith.
At this point, our students have reached their goal. The request being made is simply for one three-minute honor song to be played at graduation on May 29.
I would also like to respectfully point out that Minnesota statute requires consultation with AIPAC regarding specifically drumming at graduation. We appreciate that Superintendent Grant entered into conversation with the Indigenous Education Coordinator on March 6 regarding this matter. However, the final decision communicated on May 13 has caused significant concern within our Native community and among our partners.
The concern being expressed is not isolated. Tribal nations, MDE representatives, and individuals involved in Tribal and government relations at the state level are already aware of the situation and are awaiting the district’s response. There is also growing disappointment among Native families, students, community members, and AIPAC regarding the decision and the process surrounding it.
At the very least, we find it deeply concerning that a change in administration has superseded years of collaborative planning and student-centered goals. While we appreciate the communication shared with our Coordinator stating:
“In conversations with Karrie Boser and this being her first graduation at BHS, I have advised her to address the Indigenous ceremonial participation for next year. I think more time needs to be given to making sure communication with BHS staff and planning for next year would create a more cohesive graduation ceremony.”
We believe this response fails to recognize the extensive groundwork already completed over the course of several years.
We currently have:
A drum dedicated to the district
Students who have practiced and prepared for years
Teachers and community members prepared to support
A culturally meaningful opportunity that aligns with district goals surrounding belonging, representation, and student engagement
We are respectfully requesting that the district honor the work, relationships, and commitments that have already been established and allow the students to perform the honor song at graduation on May 29, 2026.
We ask that the district provide a response no later than the end of the day on May 28 so that communication can be relayed appropriately to students, families, community leadership, and Tribal partners.
Miigwech,
Govinda Budrow
AIPAC Chair
