By Altona H., Rayden R., Jadian S. and Vernon W.
BOX ELDER, Mont. — Ed Parisian has dedicated much of his life to education and public service. As a member of the Chippewa Cree Tribe, Parisian grew up in Box Elder, graduated from Box Elder Public School, and went on to hold leadership roles in education and health services.
He has served as superintendent in reservation schools, led the Rocky Boy Health Board, and worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. In 2007, he was confirmed as Regional Director of the BIA’s Rocky Mountain Region after directing the Office of Indian Education Programs, overseeing schools across the United States. He holds a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of South Dakota, a bachelor’s degree in physical education and an associate degree in liberal arts from Eastern Montana College.
Now, as superintendent of Box Elder Public School District, he continues to focus on improving opportunities for students in the same place where he once sat in the classroom.
We, students in Box Elder Public School’s journalism class, sat down with Superintendent Parisian to ask him about his career, his leadership in Indigenous education, and his vision for the future of our school. We prepared our own questions, conducted the interview, and reflected on what his answers mean for us.
Parisian told us that one of the biggest challenges in his role has been understanding the culture he serves. “The biggest challenge was actually trying to understand the culture of what I was dealing with,” he said. The rewards, he added, come from growth and improvement. “Mostly knowing that you did a good job and then learning from mistakes and applying it to doing an even better job.”
When we asked what he would change about the school, Parisian pointed to strengthening connections between families and the classroom. “I would change how we interact with our students and parents so that we can get a better understanding of how we can provide a better education. It takes both the school, students and parents coming together if we’re going to give you a good education.”
We also pressed him about the habits that lead to success. Parisian emphasized responsibility and curiosity. “The habits that are most important are being responsible, being respectful, being ready to learn. Ask lots of questions. Sometimes we make mistakes. Call us on it.”
He also shared his pride in being a graduate of Box Elder himself. “I grew up right here in this community. I went to this school all 12 years of my K-12 education, I graduated from this school. I’m proud of this school and where it’s come over the years. I’m proud of the students that have graduated and what they’re doing.”
The lessons he learned from his family and elders still shape his approach. “The most important things are respect and to complete your education, no matter if it’s a high school diploma, college, or trades. Decide what you want to do, get the skills, and get it done.”
From his long career, one lesson stands above the rest. “Patience,” he said. “When I first started out, I didn’t have patience. You got to look at both sides of everything, think it through, and hopefully things will work out.”
Parisian said the most rewarding part of being superintendent is watching students succeed. “Seeing kids get it, and that look in their eyes when they understand what you’re trying to get across,” he said.
Facilities also remain a priority. He explained that plans for a new gym and classrooms were prepared but later delayed by the school board due to funding uncertainties. “I had everything ready to go,” he said. “We need more space, more classrooms, a bigger gym. That’s still a goal.”
Looking ahead, Parisian said he hopes to see Box Elder known for academics as well as athletics. “I would like to see this school be one of the best schools in the state when it comes to providing an education. Not just basketball, not football. Education will take you through life.”
For students struggling in school, his advice was simple: speak up. “There’s always someone on staff you can talk to. Sometimes we don’t understand if we don’t hear what your problem is. You’ve got to be part of that problem and let us know so we can help.”
We closed by asking Parisian what motivated him to finish school himself. He credited sports. “I knew if I didn’t keep my grades up or follow the rules, I couldn’t play basketball. That was my motivation.”
For us, the interview was more than just an assignment. It was a chance to practise reporting, to ask our own questions, and to listen to teachings that connect the classroom to the wider circle of life.
Parisian reminded us that education is not only about books or grades but about carrying forward the teachings of respect, patience, responsibility, and family, which are values passed down from our elders and rooted in our culture, and which continue to guide how we live with one another. He told us that finishing school, learning skills, and staying true to who we are are not just personal goals but responsibilities that help keep our community strong, responsibilities that honour our families, our traditions, and our people.