“It’s really difficult to put into words the impact those four days had on me and to have an opportunity to share those experiences with others was incredible,” said Prescott High School junior Lilly Hillebrand. “The willingness of the people of Lac du Flambeau to share their personal stories made the learning so authentic, something that simply can’t be replicated in a classroom. It was exciting to share that with others.”

That sense of impact and responsibility carried Hillebrand and fellow juniors Brooklyn Macheska and Payge Haupt to the podium at last week’s Wisconsin Indian Education Conference, where they addressed a statewide audience of educators on the value of immersive, place-based learning.

Hosted by the Wisconsin Indian Education Association and the Wisconsin Hochunk Nation, the conference underscored the importance of Wisconsin Act 31, a law requiring public schools to teach tribal sovereignty, treaty rights, and native histories and culture. Members of the WIEA Conference Committee invited the Prescott students to share their reflections from last fall’s experience on the Lac du Flambeau Indian Reservation at the annual conference. 

“I was nervous, but also honored to have the opportunity,” said Haupt. “Speaking to an audience made up primarily of Native educators about Native issues carries a certain weight.” Recognizing the significance of their audience, the students reshaped their message from a previous presentation given earlier at the Wisconsin Council for the Social Studies Conference in Madison last month. This presentation placed greater emphasis on the student’s personal educational growth and lasting impact.

“We understood that this audience would expect something deeper,” said Macheska. “We wanted to focus on how the experience changed us and how it continues to influence our school and community.” 

The junior trio’s presentation moved well beyond a summary of events and instead explored the purpose behind their learning and the broader implications of understanding the culture and history of Wisconsin’s native people. 

“We were treated with incredible generosity throughout the day,” Hillebrand said. “From the meals to the exhibits to the technical support we received, it was just a wonderful experience for all of us.” 

Additionally, the students’ remarks prompted thoughtful engagement from attendees, many of whom pressed them on how their experience would shape future actions.

“The questions challenged us,” said Macheska. “People wanted to know how we would carry this forward and whether we would return. I think all of us are planning to.”

For the Prescott students, the experience highlighted both the rarity and the responsibility of such opportunities.

“There are not a lot of students who are able to learn in this way,” said Haupt. “Being able to share that and encourage other schools to consider doing something similar was incredibly meaningful.”

The students also acknowledged the guidance of mentors who helped shape their presentation, including Dr. Brian Jackson, Doreen Wawronowic, and Greg Johnson. “We received a great deal of guidance from our friends in Lac Du Flambeau.

The students closed their presentation with by extending an invitation to those in the audience to participate in Prescott’s annual summer trip to Lac du Flambeau scheduled for July 9–12.

“If you are seeking a truly transformative learning experience,” said Hillebrand “this is a trip you will not forget.”

The Crandon School District Administrator attended the session.  Crandon is located near two Wisconsin Tribal Nations - the Sokaogon Ojibwe Nation and the Potawatomi Nation. Bertrand is interested in developing a similar kind of relationship with those two nearby communities. That is why he attended the session. He was very complimentary of the students. 

Submitted by Prescott School District