special project: separate and unequal

This four-part series was published on consecutive Sundays in 2014, was reported and written by editorial writer Jill Burcum, with input from the Star Tribune Editorial Board. News photographer David Joles, who traveled with Burcum to northern Minnesota and South Dakota, shot the photos.

PART 1: Indian schools, a nation's neglect

Part one of four parts: Better futures aren't built by indifference, but that's how the federal government treats dilapidated tribal schools to which it owes resources. The results are tangible.

PART 2: 'We're going to school in a tin can'

Students benefit culturally from their education at Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig but deserve better surroundings. The state and private funding sources can help.

PART 3: Pine Ridge schools: Amid beauty, deterioration

The federally neglected school buildings at Pine Ridge are a blight at the very center of a culture that wants better.

PART 4: While tribal schools suffer, military schools prosper

While Bureau of Indian Education facilities languish, another set of federally run schools is upgrading to the state of the art.

How to build a new future for American Indian schools

Fixing the neglected facilities will likely take a multipronged push.

Jan. 23: Momentum builds to help tribal school in Minnesota

State efforts likely needed to help Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig High School.

Feb. 9: Indian schools need a boost from GOP

Kline is well-positioned to find best solutions for BIE schools.

Feb. 23: Kline calls for action on tribal school construction

GOP congressman calls BIE construction delays "appalling."

March 2: Smart proposals to help Minnesota's Indian students

Dayton should add group's proposals to his supplemental budget.

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