ics – 50 years and counting… our students,
our community, our ways

Indian Community School, Inc. (ICS) began in the homes of three courageous Oneida mothers in 1969 who wanted a safe and more culturally relevant education for their children. From these humble beginnings, ICS has been serving the American Indian community of metro Milwaukee for 50 years, providing our youth with a unique learning experience.

To celebrate this incredible time in our history, we are hosting seasonal celebrations for the community, including:

October 14, 2019

•  Indigenous Peoples Day will include dedicating “Indigenous Peoples Park” in Milwaukee County (formerly known as Columbus Park).
•  “All My Relations” student play about the 50-year history of our school. Come watch our students tell our story in their own special way as we honor our women.

January 18, 2020

• Bear Moon Pow Wow Traditional pow wow and 50-Year Community Celebration where we will honor ICS Alumni.

April 17-18, 2020

Debut of our History Film directed by Chris Eyre. Two special screening of our film documentary, told through the voices of those who shaped our school. We will honor ICS staff and teachers.

June 10, 2020

Our End of the School Year Pow Wow is when we wrap up our school year in the very best way possible, with a traditional pow wow and 50-Year Community Celebration! We will honor ICS parents and guardians.

50-Year Eagle Feather Fans 

We’re also traveling to tribal pow wows throughout Wisconsin with $50 spot dances and our very popular eagle feather printed fans!  These special fans carry the dates of our four seasonal celebrations AND they include seven eagle feathers to represent the Seven Sacred Gifts:  “Bravery, Humility, Love, Honesty, Respect, Truth and Wisdom” that guide everything we do here at our school.  Each eagle feather is from someone near and dear to us, including a: Veteran, teacher, student, Alumni, Community Member, Board Member and the school’s smudging eagle feather that looks after all of us.