About

Help Bring 1000 Books To The

Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe Reservation

According to the National Literacy Institute, literacy rates have drastically dropped in the United States of America over the past decade with approximately 40% of students unable to read at a basic level. This statistic is exasperated when we take into account that nearly 70% of low-income children in the United States struggle with basic reading and, according to the 2023 census reporter, Lac Courte Oreilles poverty level currently stands at 28.6%.

The Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe reservation is situated in rural, northwestern Wisconsin. Our closest public library is 17 miles away and the nearest bookstore is approximately 40 miles. Tribal communities have been historically underfunded and there are few equitable economic opportunities available on the reservation that offer livable wages. Due to the distance, cost of gas, and individual work schedules, there are few community members who are able to prioritize a day of travel to peruse a selection of diverse titles.

Being exposed to diverse narratives is essential in developing an understanding, appreciation, and seeing the beauty in communities and community members who may not reflect our upbringings. Having the opportunity to read diverse books may also help the reader draw parallels between their community and upbringing with an author from a different cultural, regional, or economic background.

The Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe Literacy Project aims to distribute 1000 free books at the Kinnamon School Visitor Center and Museum this June. Our intention is to reach Indigenous youth living on or near the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe reservation and distribute books like:

Poetry

Non-fiction authored by BIPOC writers

Fiction authored by BIPOC writers

Language resources

Since launching in late 2024, The Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe Literacy Project has distributed over 500 books to Indigenous youth on the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe reservation. The Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe Literacy Project believes that all tribal community members deserve equitable access to the opportunity to enrich their minds with diverse literature.

Your donation will go towards purchasing titles from established publishers, bookmarks, and food for the distribution event.

Chi-Miigwech to our donors and funders