Intercultural Leadership Initiative
Lac du Flambeau Education Department - Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians

Northern Wisconsin has a long history of racial conflict. At least one slogan became famous across the country – “spear an Indian, save a fish.” But the costs of this conflict went far beyond fishing. Racial tensions pervaded the schools, creating what the state of Wisconsin described as a “toxic culture for American Indian students.” In response, a grassroots effort in 1999 led to the founding of the Intercultural Leadership Initiative.  Designed to address the negative effects of racism and prejudice on the social and academic achievements of American Indian students in the Lakeland Union High School district, the Initiative engages Native and non-Native students in positive experiences that build multicultural communication, understanding, and friendships.