Maȟpíya Lúta High School Graduate, Class of 2010
Laree Pourier, a proud graduate of Maȟpíya Lúta High School and current educator, who has returned to her roots to inspire the next generation of students. Laree’s journey is a powerful story of growth, resilience, and giving back to the community.
Laree’s connection to Mahpiya Luta runs deep. “I started at Maȟpíya Lúta in 5th grade and graduated in 2010. Before then, I lived in Rapid and would frequently visit my grandparents and family here at home. My time here at Maȟpíya Lúta was foundational—not only for my academic journey but for my growth as a person. The educators, coaches, and mentors who truly invested in me made all the difference. I’m really grateful I went to school here for the majority of my time as a student,” she reflects.
During high school, Laree was a dedicated member of several school activities, including cross country and track, cheerleading, student council, and the spiritual formation team. “These experiences taught me the value of community and involvement, which I carry with me to this day.” Like many high school students, Laree faced her own challenges during her years at Maȟpíya Lúta. “There were definitely times when I wasn’t taking my education as seriously as I should have,” she admits. “I was the kind of student who usually had As, but I didn’t always put forth my full effort.” Looking back, Laree recognizes that this approach was a missed opportunity. “I would tell my high school self to take learning more seriously, to challenge my ideas, and not just do the bare minimum. In retrospect, I see that as lazy and cowardly. But I’ve learned from that, and it helped shape the educator I am today.”
One of the most lasting influences from Laree’s time at Maȟpíya Lúta was the relationships she built. “I had so many incredible mentors—teachers, coaches, and even peers—who really made a lasting impact on me. They helped me reflect on my own life, and the world around me,” she says. “Maȟpíya Lúta taught me to be reflective and empathetic in everything I pursue. It’s not just about academics, but about how you show up in the world and how you treat others.” These values have remained with Laree throughout her journey.
After graduation, Laree headed to Marquette University in Milwaukee, where she participated in a six-week summer preparatory program for students from low-income backgrounds. “The transition to college was tough. I was eager to be twelve hours away from home, but I quickly realized how much I missed my family and the familiarity of home,” she reflects. Despite the challenges of being in a new city and far from her roots, Laree found strength in her experiences. “It was difficult being away from home, and it was especially challenging to be in a place where many people knew so little about Indigenous people and history,” she shares. “I often felt forgotten and distinct from everyone else. But with prayer and the support of generous people, I was able to grow and thrive during my five years at Marquette.”
During her time at Marquette, Laree was highly involved in campus life. She worked for the Service Learning Program, tutoring high school students and adult learners preparing for U.S. citizenship, and facilitated art and poetry workshops for high school interns. Laree was also the chair of the Native American Student Association and an active member of campus student activism. “Through my work and participation in student activism, I became more connected with the broader community in Milwaukee and learned so much about resilience and solidarity from the people I met. I also had the opportunity to study abroad in Cape Town, South Africa, which deeply impacted my view of the world.”
After completing her studies at Marquette, Laree returned to Mahpiya Luta as a teacher, a decision she describes as both natural and fulfilling. “Teaching has always been a part of my calling, as my mom is a long time teacher too. Coming back to Maȟpíya Lúta felt like the right next step in my journey,” she says. “My goal is to continue to grow as an educator, to be present for my students, and to help them see the world with more clarity, just as my teachers helped me.”
Looking ahead, Laree plans to continue teaching at Maȟpíya Lúta for the foreseeable future. “I want my students to see themselves in the books we read, in the history we study, and in the lessons we learn together,” she shares. Laree believes that literature and history offer powerful windows into other people’s lives—and mirrors that reflect our own struggles and triumphs. “Teaching gives me the chance to help students find their voices and see the common threads that connect us all.”
As a teacher and mentor, Laree offers invaluable advice to current Maȟpíya Lúta students: “Strive to make everything you output beautiful and something you can be proud of. Whether it’s how you speak to others, your performance on a math assignment, an English essay, or a basketball game—everything you do is a reflection of who you are. This is how we show gratitude for life and for those who came before us.”
Laree’s journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of community, growth, and the impact of great educators. As both a former student and now a teacher at Maȟpíya Lúta, Laree continues to shape the future of her school and her students with the same empathy, dedication, and passion that once guided her own journey.
We are proud to call Laree Pourier one of our own and look forward to the continued positive impact she will have on the Maȟpíya Lúta community for years to come!