Kina (Together)
Boozhoo! (Hello!) Welcome to Kina!
There is nothing more exciting than learning new things and sharing ideas with one another. This philosophy is how Kina’s projects began and still guides us as we continue to grow. Much of what we do has been designed and developed in partnership with area Native American communities. We believe that the communities we serve know what is most helpful for their members and need to be equal partners in what we offer.
Kina’s projects are built on cultural strengths and ways of knowing. Our projects began in 2016 when the first partnerships were established with area tribal communities to create programs that share the exciting world of science with children in Kindergarten to 6th grade. Since that time, we have grown to include a variety of projects that focus on providing children with opportunities that inspire a love of learning and bring families together in the learning process. By doing this, we hope that the passion for learning will continue through a lifetime and pass to those who follow.
One of our goals is to see today’s youth enter science and choose to address the needs of Native Americans. We make a special effort to remove educational barriers so that everyone can enjoy learning and exploring. Our programming is designed to be based in communities, so they are easily accessed by the community members. We also have an expanse of learning materials, including information about nutrition and wellness, all available at no cost.
The Kina project team hopes you enjoy your visit to our site and exploring all that we have to offer.
Interested in Ordering?
We appreciate your interest in our STEM and nutrition activity book series. The book series was made possible by grants from the National Library of Medicine. We had not anticipated the overwhelming response to the books! We have printed and shipped over 4,000 copies of the books to date. We still have books available to order; however, only limited quantities are left in stock. We don’t anticipate printing copies of the Sold-Out books. Please note that the books are available to print as pdf versions on our website (scroll down to view the pdfs).
We are excited to announce that our Dental Health activity books will become available soon! Stay tuned!
Please note that our flyers are still available to order.
Again, we apologize for the inconvenience.
Educational Activity Books
Oral Health (new)
Autumn’s First Visit to the Dentist, Pre K-K Activity Book: An Ojibwe/English Activity Book
This is an activity book in Ojibwe/English for Pre Kindergarteners and Kindergarteners, focusing on Oral Health.
Project Director
Shannon RedBrook, Oglala Lakota
Illustrator
Jordan Rodgers, Oglala Lakota
Education Content Expert
Bonnie Dalin
Education Content Expert
Rachel King, Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians & Dine
Culture and Language Advisor
Erik Redix, Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe
Created through the generous support of: Medica Foundation
Autumn has a Healthy Smile, 1st-2nd Grade Activity Book: An Ojibwe/English Activity Book
This is an activity book in Ojibwe/ English for 1st and 2nd grade children focusing on Oral Health.
Project Director
Shannon RedBrook, Oglala Lakota
Illustrator
Jordan Rodgers, Oglala Lakota
Education Content Expert
Bonnie Dalin
Culture and Language Advisor
Erik Redix, Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe
Created through the generous support of: Medica Foundation
Autumn and Biidaash Take Care of Their Healthy Smiles, 3rd-4th Grade Activity Book: An Ojibwe/English Activity Book
This is an activity book in Ojibwe/ English for 3rd and 4th grade children focusing on Oral Health.
Project Director
Shannon RedBrook, Oglala Lakota
Illustrator
Jordan Rodgers, Oglala Lakota
Education Content Expert
Bonnie Dalin
Culture and Language Advisor
Michael Zimmerman Jr., Pokagon Band of Potawatomi
Culture and Language Advisor
Erik Redix, Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe
Created through the generous support of: Medica Foundation
Mino-Zhoomiingweniwin - Healthy Smile
Brush and Floss for a Mino-Zhoomiingweniwin (Healthy Smile)- coloring page
Power of Vaccines
Power of Vaccines
This is an informational handout in English geared for youth with information about vaccines and how they work presented in a "question and answer" format.
COVID-19 Pandemic
Grandma's Words of Wisdom: Social Distancing
This is a flyer in English geared for youth with information about social distancing for the COVID-19 pandemic.
Grandma's Words of Wisdom: Facemasks
This is a flyer in English geared for youth with information about facemasks for the COVID-19 pandemic.
Grandma's Words of Wisdom: Handwashing
This is a flyer in English geared for youth with information about handwashing.
Grandma's Words of Wisdom: Lunchroom Safety
This is a flyer in English geared for youth with information about lunchroom safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 Clean Hands Mythbusters
As a collaboration, this informational handout was created in four different languages and geared toward youth with facts about face masks and social distancing as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Whiz Kidz! Facts about COVID-19 Face Masks and Social Distancing
As a collaboration, this informational handout was created in 4 different languages and geared toward youth with facts about clean hands, gloves, and the COVID-19 pandemic. These facts are presented in a "true or false" format.
Germs! Germs! Germs! A Kid's Quick Guide to Stopping COVID-19
As a collaboration, this informational handout in was created in 4 different languages geared for youth on easy ways to stop the spread of COVID-19.
COVID-19? Answers for Kids
As a collaboration, this informational handout is geared for youth with answers to common questions about COVID-19.
Healthy Eating and Nutrition
Minwanjige, Mino-bimaadizi (Eat Well, Live Well): An Ojibwe/English Kindergarten Activity Book
This is an activity book in Ojibwe and English for kindergarteners focusing on healthy eating and nutrition.
SOLD OUT!
Minwanjige, Mino-bimaadizi (Eat Well, Live Well): An Ojibwe/English 1st-2nd Grade Activity Book
This is an activity book in Ojibwe and English for 1st and 2nd grade children focusing on healthy eating and nutrition.
SOLD OUT!
Minwanjige, Mino-bimaadizi (Eat Well, Live Well): An Ojibwe/English 3rd-4th Grade Activity Book
This is an activity book in Ojibwe and English for 3rd and 4th grade children focusing on healthy eating and nutrition.
Minwanjige, Mino-bimaadizi (Eat Well, Live Well): An Ojibwe/English 5th-6th Grade Activity Book
This is an activity book in Ojibwe and English for 5th and 6th grade children focusing on healthy eating and nutrition.
Math and Science
Gikinawaabi Noopimiing (Learning by Watching Nature): An Ojibwe/English Kindergarten Science and Math Activity Book
This is an activity book in Ojibwe and English for kindergarteners focusing on science and math.
Migizi Anishaa Gikendan (Eagle having fun while learning): 1st-2nd Grade Activity Book
This is an activity book in Ojibwe and English for 1st and 2nd grade children focusing on math and science.
Migizi Gikinawaabi (Eagle Learns by Observation): 3rd-4th Grade Activity Book
This is an activity book in Ojibwe and English for 3rd and 4th grade children.
Asigi'idiwag Nanda-gikendan (Coming Together to Learn): An Ojibwe/English 5th Grade Science and Math Activity Book
This is an activity book in Ojibwe and English for 5th graders focusing on science and math.
Gikendaasowin Minwaabadad (Knowledge is Useful): An Ojibwe/English 6th Grade Science and Math Activity Book
This is an activity book in Ojibwe and English for sixth graders focusing on science and math.
SOLD OUT!
Autumn’s First Visit to the Dentist
Autumn has a Healthy Smile
Autumn and Biidaash Take Care of Their Healthy Smiles
MEET THE TEAM
Shannon RedBrook, MS, Oglala Lakota, is a Kina Community Outreach Associate. Shannon is the lead staff on several Kina projects that include partnerships with area tribal communities. She is also a skilled scientist with over 10 years of experience. In addition to Kina, Shannon is a research assistant in an immunology lab where she helps conduct studies on Lyme Disease. As part of this role, Shannon guides and trains new employees as well as underrepresented, including Native American, students in biomedical research programs. She has also taught as a biology instructor at a local 2-year college. In Fall 2021, Shannon will begin a University of Minnesota doctoral program where she will earn a PhD in education. While she does this, she will maintain her full-time position with the University of Minnesota Medical School Duluth Campus.
Contact Shannon at samentye@d.umn.edu
Jordan Rodgers, Oglala Lakota, graduated from Harbor International High School, Duluth, Minnesota, in 2017. She also attended the Minneapolis College of Art and Design for a year. She has been working with Dr. Anna Wirta Kosobuski since 2017 illustrating a variety of educational resources including Ojibwe-English K- 6th grade STEM and nutrition activity books and COVID-19 education and awareness materials. Jordan has also illustrated five children's books through the Black Bear and Blueberries Publishing. She enjoys video games, astrology, and musicals.
Contact Jordan at jrodgers@d.umn.edu
Anna Wirta Kosobuski, EdD is a Bois Forte Band of Chippewa (Ojibwe) band member. Dr. Wirta Kosobuski has worked at the University of Minnesota Medical School Duluth Campus since 1995. Her entire medical school career has centered on developing science enrichment programs for Native American students of all ages. Many of these projects have been developed and are carried out in partnership with area Native American communities.
Dr. Wirta retired June 2022.
We are always available if you have questions for us.