Michigan: For 15 years, Northern Michigan University has offered a major in Native American Studies. NAS is an interdisciplinary major with classes from the English, Art, and other departments.
“Hands down, every student that wishes to better themselves and others around them should take NAS 101 before graduation, because it is unlike anything they could ever imagine,” said Levi Warnos, a junior English major.
“A typical day spent in [class] varied but was always structured around a holistic approach to learning a language with the model idea of going back to your roots. Just as an infant would learn any language [students would learn] by hearing, touching, repeating and building your way from the bottom up.”
Five federally recognized tribes have been within the area:
| Ojibwa | Ojibwa | Potawatomi | Ojibwa | Ojibwa |
| Behweting
(Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians) |
Gnoozhekaaning
(Bay Mills Indian Community) |
Hannahville Indian Community | Gichi-wiikwedong (Keweenaw Bay Community) |
Ketegitigaaning
(Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa) |
Wegonesh Ezhiwebag? (What's happening)
Northern Michigan University, the NAS and Indian communities hold many events in the Marquette community. All events are connected to the tribes' cultures and their Anishinaabe language. Among them are:
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Decolonizing Diet Project a research study about the relationship between Great Lakes' food and indigenous peoples. 25 research candidates will eat 25%-100% indigenous food items each day. Many supporters will join in their efforts. First Nations Food Taster (March 17-18, 2012) Offers guests an array of foods from traditional and modern Native American recipes.
“Learning to Walk Together”
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Language Revitalization. The long, rough years of assimilation
have threatened the Anishinaabe
language. The tribes are now revitalizing their language in a variety
efforts, both large and small. “In the five years I’ve been here, one of my students took the initiative to introduce Anishinaabe into the community,” said Kenn Pitawanakwat, an Anishinaabe language instructor. “Through the YMCA, the student got a hall to hold classes in. The students range from three to 60 years old. This was a great success. “[It] reflects on the community and the work the individuals have done. [Anishinaabe] is taking place in the community centers, garages, wherever."
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From Northern Michigan University:
Anishinaabe
Words of the Month with
videos available
| December 2011 Zhiitaadaa! | November 2011 Miigwech-i-nendim-wodaa |
| October 2011 Bashki-minsigan | September 2011 Shki-Giizoons Niimi |
Native
Village Home Page