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Our History

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Founding and Early Years (1977)

The Circle of Life Academy was founded in 1977 by 12 students and their counselor, Shirley Winters, from the Waubun School District. Dissatisfied with the traditional public education system, the group left the district to establish a school centered on the Ojibwe language and culture.

The school was originally known as the Gaa-Waabaabiganikaag Cultural Learning Center, also referred to as the Circle of Life Survival School of White Earth. It began with a limited budget of $3,000, supported by the local Indian Education Committee, and operated out of a vacant house near what is now the Roundhouse in White Earth. Phyllis Bunker served as the school’s first teacher.

Growth and Program Development (1978–1979)

During the 1978–79 school year, Shirley Winters and several members of the Local Indian Education Committee (LIEC) applied for and received approval for a Title IV, Part B grant on behalf of the Circle of Life Survival School. Rod High Elk was hired as the project director.

That year, the school enrolled 42 high school students. As enrollment increased, the school relocated from the original house to two nearby trailer homes to better accommodate students and staff.

Expansion and Community Support (1980)

In 1980, the school moved to the former White Earth School Building, which had recently been vacated by the Waubun School District. The White Earth Business Committee became the school’s fiscal agent, and the school submitted an application to the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Plans were developed to expand programming to include an elementary school component and a home-based early childhood program.

During the 1980 school year, the following courses were offered, and the individuals listed below served on the school board and staff.

Courses Offered:

  • English
  • Ojibwe Language
  • Science
  • Mathematics
  • Social Studies
  • Arts and Crafts
  • Physical Education

Leadership and Staff

School Board Members:

  • William Freeman
  • Rose Beaulieu
  • Brent Gish
  • Grace Jackson
  • Ruby Weaver
  • Joseph Foster
  • Myrna Murray
  • Lenny Potter
  • Vernon Belcourt

School Staff Members:

  • Project Director/Science Teacher: Karen Brown-Good
  • Counselor: Verna Millage
  • Secretary/Bookkeeper: Patleen Keezer
  • Ojibwe Language/English Teacher: Laura Fineday
  • Arts and Crafts and Culture Teacher: Charlotte Jackson
  • Mathematics Teacher: Beverly Libby
  • Social Studies Teacher: Betty Avery
  • Teacher’s Aides: Aurelia Brown, Mary Jackson
  • Bus Drivers: Ramiro Alvarado, Richard Basswood
  • Night Watchman/Custodian: Charles Whipple
  • Volunteer Drum Group Advisor: James Weaver

New Facility and Current Location (2012–2013)

After 31 years at the former White Earth School site, a new facility was constructed on the shore of Mission Lake in 2012. In 2013, the Circle of Life Academy officially opened its doors at its current location.