At a time of rising extremism, educators are convening for an international human rights and Holocaust education program

On July 10-16, educators from across Minnesota are gathering for a five-day seminar focused on lessons from the Holocaust and the Dakota Exile. The program takes place at a time when hate crimes and extremism are on the rise and demand for greater Indigenous education is growing.

Teachers will explore the parallels between the Holocaust and the treatment of Indigenous Peoples in Minnesota, examining thematic connections that link these past events to the present, as a way of teaching social justice and human rights to their students. The program, titled “Honoring Resilience: Learning from the Holocaust and Dakota Exile” focuses on the resilence of Jewish and Indigenous peoples despite government policy intended to dehumanize them. The teachers’ event is intended to examine past and present social justice issues, with a focus on resilience and hope for the future. 

Participants will explore the roots of antisemitism and anti-Indian sentiment by engaging with primary source materials, listening to personal testimonies, and visiting relevant sites. Day trips include a visit to Mt. Zion Temple in St. Paul, and significant Dakota sites in Minneapolis. Teachers will experience best practices through inquiry and writing-based pedagogies for teaching about the Holocaust. Participants will receive resources and create a brief action plan for implementing Holocaust and genocide education in their classrooms. 

The seminar is led by Merry Meltz, Literacy Methods Instructor & Clinical Coordinator, University of Minnesota, Kathy Robinson, Professor, St. Cloud Technical & Community College and St. Cloud State University, and Anne McCarney, Talent Learning Specialist, Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures.

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For further information contact:

Merry Meltz: merrymeltz@gmail.com

Stephanie Stark:  sgstark@tolinstitute.org

The Olga Lengyel Institute was established to educate teachers in the United States, Europe, and other parts of the world about human rights and social justice through the lens of the Holocaust and other genocides so that such atrocities may never again take place.