Mille Lacs band member Leads the Way in Ojibwe Language Achievement

Tecumseh Fahrlander becomes the first student in Minnesota to earn the World Language Proficiency Certificate in Ojibwe

By Vivian LaMoore, Inaajimowin Editor

Photos courtesy of Sierra Kingen | North Pine County News

Mille Lacs Band member Tecumseh Fahrlander has earned the inaugural World Language Proficiency Certificate for the Ojibwe language, becoming the first person in Minnesota to receive the certificate for Ojibwe from the Minnesota Department of Education.

The World Language Proficiency Certificate is the state's official award recognizing high school students who demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English. Students must demonstrate designated levels of proficiency in four areas of communication: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

Fahrlander, a senior at Hinckley-Finlayson High School, was honored March 12, 2026, during a ceremony attended by Minnesota Department of Education Commissioner Willie Jett, Hinckley-Finlayson Indian Education Coordinator Bruce Williams, and Mille Lacs Band Commissioner of Education Raina Killspotted.

Killspotted emphasized the broader significance of the achievement for the Anishinaabe community and ongoing efforts to revitalize the Ojibwe language which is gaining momentum. She said language remains central to Anishinaabe identity and to the work being carried forward by educators, Elders, and young people. Fahrlander is the first bilingual Anishinaabe to receive this great honor.

"I cannot say enough how proud we are of you and look forward to seeing how you share your precious knowledge with the next generations to come," Killspotted said. "And on behalf of our Mille Lacs Band Education Department and our Cultural Resource Board, which is made up of first language and second language speakers, we wanted to honor you with an eagle feather as a language warrior."

She extended an open invitation to Fahrlander to sit on the resource board and contribute to the language revitalization efforts.

Killspotted also shared remarks on behalf of Mille Lacs Band Chief Executive Virgil Wind, who was unable to attend the ceremony.

"Historically, there are many circumstances that have contributed to the loss of culture and language for many Native American communities across Indian Country," the Chief Executive said in remarks read by Killspotted. "We have been here for hundreds of years, and we will be here for hundreds more to come because we're resilient. Revitalizing our language is gaining momentum throughout the state, and I am proud of those who have stepped up in a good way to teach others. And an important part of our identity as Anishinaabe is our language.

The Chief Executive noted that language revitalization efforts are gaining strength across Minnesota and within the Mille Lacs Band.

"I am proud of those who have stepped up in a good way to teach others an important factor of our identity as Anishinaabe, our language. I'd like to give a shout out to Waadookodaading, a school that provides a strong language and culture curriculum that truly 'Helps One Another.' Their programs have guided and inspired others, including the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe to invest and improve language revitalization efforts."

Fahrlander said he hopes the recognition encourages others to study Ojibwe and continue strengthening the language for future generations.

"I'm grateful to receive this award," Fahrlander said. "I hope this can inspire people from all backgrounds to learn Ojibwe and other languages that may not always be widely spoken."

He added that he hopes others will continue building on the achievement.

"I'm honored to be the first person to do this, and I hope someone can achieve this honor again or even go further."

Hinckley-Finlayson Indian Education Coordinator Bruce Williams described the achievement as historic not only for the student and the school, but for the entire state.

"Today we gather to celebrate something truly historic," Williams said. "Tecumseh's dedication, perseverance, and pride in culture have led to an incredible achievement — becoming the first person in the state of Minnesota to receive a Language Proficiency Certificate in Ojibwe."

Williams noted that learning the language represents far more than mastering vocabulary or grammar.

"The Ojibwe language carries generations of knowledge, stories, traditions, and ways of seeing the world," he said. "Every word holds meaning connected to the land, the people, and the history that has been passed down for centuries."

Minnesota Department of Education Commissioner Willie Jett also praised Fahrlander's accomplishment, and the dedication required to reach that level of proficiency.

"To be the first in Minnesota to reach this level of proficiency in Ojibwe is an incredible testament to your dedication and perseverance," Jett said. "The Ojibwe people and their language have held a deep connection to these lands and waters since time immemorial, enriching the fabric of what is today Minnesota."

Jett said Fahrlander's achievement demonstrates what is possible when students pursue learning with purpose and pride.

"You serve as an inspiring example to others," he said. "Your work strengthens and carries forward an Indigenous language that holds generations of knowledge and power."

MDE Commissioner Willie Jett, Tecumseh Fahrlander, MLBO Commissioner of Education Raina Killspotted.

Tecumseh Fahrlander receives an eagle feather to honor his achievement of a World Language Proficiency Certification