Winter Celebration for Native American Students at Discovery Middle School

Organizers say the event grows steadily in attendance every year.

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – Indigenous students from throughout the Fargo and West Fargo school systems gathered this evening to celebrate the holidays and their shared culture.

The annual Native American Education Winter Gathering took place at Discovery Middle School from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. on December 17.

Everyone was served a meal, and there were also activities like craft-making and the opportunity to take a photo with Santa.

The event is organized by the Fargo/West Fargo Native American Education Program, which says that native students are making big academic strides, but they’re concerned with the program’s fiscal outlook.

“Funding is definitely a struggle for our program, from year to year. Last year we took a significant budget cut,” said Melody Staebner, Native American Education Coordinator.  “The need is there, but the funding really hasn’t grown. ”

Last year, the Winter Gathering drew an estimated 450 people.

Organizers think this iteration may have surpassed 500.