The Oceti Sakowin Community Academy (OSCA) aims to challenge the status quo of the Westernized approach to education by creating opportunities for Indigenous students to experience an enriching learning environment that is inclusive of who they are linguistically and culturally. OSCA is a dual-language learning institution providing instruction in both English and Lakota languages.
The educational philosophy of OSCA is grounded in the understanding and ancestral teachings of the Oceti Sakowin culture. Given educational instruction that is both culturally relevant and responsive, along with the ability to see their experiences represented and honored in the classroom, Indigenous students can self-actualize in ways that mainstream education often inhibits. This approach celebrates the unique experiences and strength of Indigenous learners and lead to improved academic outcomes, holistic wellness, strong cultural identities, and confidence for success in post-high school pathways.