Milwaukee City Wire

MPS Hamilton junior, Keira Kilp, has emerged as the winner of the button-design contest for the First Nations Studies College Access Program. Keira, a junior at Hamilton High School, crafted a unique design that now adorns the buttons worn by students in the program. Her creation was unveiled at the program's end-of-year field trip on April 18.

Keira's design, featuring a raised fist with feathers and the words "Still Here," was inspired by her passion for working with linoleum. Describing her process, Keira expressed, "I love working with linoleum. It’s fun. It’s like cutting butter." She aimed to convey a powerful message through her design, stating, "It was a simple message, and I wanted to convey that Native people, we’re still here."

In addition to her artistic pursuits, Keira harbors aspirations of a career in photography. She shared, "I like to experiment with some art, but I have my heart set on being a photographer." Keira, a second-descendant Menominee, values the opportunity provided by the First Nations Studies program to connect with peers from diverse tribal backgrounds. She highlighted, "I get to connect with other students who are from different tribes."

Richanda Kaquatosh, the First Nations Studies Supervisor, revealed that Milwaukee Public Schools cater to 1,600 Native students across 140 schools, with a significant number enrolled in the successful College Access Program. Kaquatosh emphasized the program's achievements, noting, "An average of 95% of the students in the program have graduated on time." She also highlighted the Expanding the Circle curriculum utilized by the program to support Native students in their transition to college.

Jody Bauer, the lead teacher for the First Nations College Access Program, extended an invitation to interested families to register their children online for the program. The initiative, now in its third year of a substantial federal grant, continues to enhance cultural and academic offerings for Native students, including summer camps, tutoring, and college preparation activities.

The button designed by Keira Kilp serves as a symbol of resilience and unity for students in the First Nations Studies College Access Program, embodying the program's commitment to supporting and empowering Native youth in their educational pursuits.