News
Babaanaajimowin

Billy Mills, whose Lakota name Makata Taka Hela means Respects the Earth, has been an icon in Indian Country ever since. Mills’ nonprofit Running Strong for American Indian Youth is doing its part to jumpstart the dreams of Native youth by giving away fifty copy0,000 grants over the next five years.

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BEMIDJI — A grassroots effort has started taking shape in Bemidji to address the difficult subject of racial injustice, especially between the majority culture and the people of the land once known as Bemijigamaag.

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Erika Bailey-Johnson, sustainability coordinator at Bemidji State University, has been selected as one of Prairie Business Magazine’s top 40 business professionals under the age of 40 who exemplify a high level of talent in the upper Midwest region.

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Two reminders: The deadline for submission of applications for the Fall Semester Space Grant STEM Scholarships is December 1. The application information is available on our NorthStar STEM D2L page under the content link. Remember that an official transcript is required–it may take a week or more for the transcript to be received after your request is made.

NorthStar STEM Scholars and Mentors has scheduled a fall kick-off event for next Thursday, November 20 from 5:00 to 7:00 in the Crying Wolf room of the Hobson Memorial union. We’ll have food for you and we’re expecting to host some visiting students from Leech Lake Tribal College and White Earth Tribal and Community College. Please be sure to mark your calendar and come visit and learn!!!!!!!

United Way of the Bemidji Area annually collects and hosts a Coats for the Community program providing gently used and cleaned coats, boots, hats, gloves, snow pants, scarves and mittens to those in our community who are in need. If you have any of the above mentioned items that you would like to donate, AND that are in good condition and are clean, please drop them off at one of the following drop-off sites by Wednesday, October 1.

• Dress Club Cleaners
• JC Penney
• Lueken’s North and South
• Sanford Bemidji Medical Center Lobby

The distribution day will be Saturday, October 4 from 8:00 am – 11:00 am at Calvary Lutheran Church. Note this is a new location for distribution this year.

For more information: http://www.unitedwaybemidji.org/coats-community

Bemidji State University will bring four elders from the northern Minnesota region’s American Indian communities to campus as part of an Elders in Residence program. Under the program, BSU will hire four Elders in Residence who will be placed on campus in short-term residencies or on a commuter basis, depending on the elder’s needs, and have those elders participate in public events and training activities both on campus and in the Bemidji community. In addition, the elders will mentor BSU’s Indian students on their own culture and support them in their educational and student lives, and also will participate in research so their knowledge of tribal culture can be documented and used to support the program moving forward.

Find out more…..

Why Treaties? focuses on the 1863 “Old Crossing Treaty” in which the Red Lake and Pembina bands of the Chippewa ceded some 11 million acres of land to the United States Government. Filmmaker and host John Parsons brings viewers on a journey of understanding as he strives to grasp the differing world views that motivated tribal leaders, settlers, and the United States government of the 19th Century.

Tune in tonight for the special documentary “Why Treaties”, and hour documentary on Lakeland Public Television 8 PM on Channel 9 Bemidji, Channel 22 in Brainerd, on your cable systems on Channel 9 or HD Channel 509. Repeated on Tuesday 6/17 at 7 p.m., Thursday 6/19 at 1 a.m., Sunday 6/22 at 7 p.m., and Tuesday 6/24 at 1 a.m.

To see more: http://lptv.org/why-treaties/

http://www.startribune.com/local/261395401.html

On Sunday, Marcus Smart, a sophomore basketball player at Oklahoma State University, apologized to Jeff Orr, a fan whom he shoved after Smart heard Orr call him the N-word. Orr has confirmed that he did indeed call Smart a “piece of crap,” but claims a slur was not used. Jeff Orr is a sorry human being, and he was not owed an apology. When you look at Smart’s visceral reaction courtside, at him yelling at Orr about being called the N-word as he was being pulled away by his teammates, it is clear that Smart believes he heard the N-word, and reacted accordingly.

A Bemidji State University-led consortium of higher education institutions has wona $500,000 grant from the U. S. Department of Agriculture to expand distance learning and telemedicine opportunities for rural northern Minnesota residents.

https://www.bemidjistate.edu/news/news-updates/2014/02/10/bemidji-state-to-build-teleconference-system-with-regional-tribal-colleges

Will take place in the American Indian Resource Centers Gathering Room. Opening with a pipe ceremony. Free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided.

Vincent Staples-Graves has been named Bemidji State University’s recipient of the Mark Welter World Citizen Award by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.

http://www.bemidjistate.edu/news/news-updates/2013/11/25/staples-graves-wins-welter-world-citizen-award

 Applications can be picked up at the American Indian Resource Center

The BSU Chapter of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society” is being organized. There are scholarships available to bring students to a major national conference. Those interested in the chapter and the conference should contact Pat Welle at pwelle@bemidjistate.edu.

Peter Nabokov, celebrated author of “Indian Running” and several other books and a Proffesor at the University of California-Los Angeles will be presenting on Indian Running and his new research on Ojibwe architecture. This event will take place on October 16th, 2013 10am to 11:15 am in the Gathering Room at the American Indian Resource Center on the BSU campus. It is a free event that is open to the public.

The American Indian Alumni Chapter will be holding a panel presentation showcasing innovative leaders who are working in Indian Country and are making great contributions to tribal communities.

Panelist include:

Rochelle Johnson: Superintendent of Pine Point school

Donovan Sather: Works at Northwest Indian Occupational Industrial Center as the Re-Entry Program Coordinator and Red Lake Nation College

Delana Smith: Teacher in Red Lake School district and President of  American Indian Alumni Chapter

Veronica Veaux: Human Resources Director at Bugonaygeshig school

The work of BSU’s American Indian Alumni in their tribal communities has a positive impact on the community and ultimately on tribal sovereignty. The panel presentation will take place at the American Indian Resource Center in room  128 and is open to the public.

Please check out KAXE/KBXE Audio Highlights, Steve Downing Reviews the “Hakkerup Indian Portrait Collection” Housed and Exibited At the American Indian Resource Center At Bemidji State University.

The American Indian Resource Center (AIRC) would like to welcome new and returning students to our annual “Day of Welcome”. This event will be held at the AIRC from 9am to 3pm on Wednesday, August 28th 2013. The Day of Welcome begins with a Pipe Ceremony officiated by Dr. Anton Treuer and an honor song by the Kingbird Singers. There will be free fry bread and door prizes as well as display booths of CIS (Council of Indian Students); AISES (American Indian Science and Engineering Society); AIAC (American Indian Alumni Chapter) and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). The Advising Success Center and the American Indian Resource Center will also be available to assist students and answer questions.

World renowned Hoop Dancer Kevin Locke will be a new addition to the Day of Welcome this year. Kevin Locke is traditional storyteller, Cultural ambassador, recording artist, educator and he also plays the Northern Plains Flute. Kevin Locke is of Lakota and Anishinaabe descent.

This is a perfect opportunity for students to get acquainted with the AIRC and to gather information on all that we have to offer students.

Apegish imaa waabamigooyan!! (We hope to see you there!!)

The Day of Welcome is not a public event. It is a fall orientation start-up event for new and returning students.

Will take place at Castle Highlands Golf Course. 4-person Texas-style Best-ball. Entry fee is $400. Entry fee includes 18 holes of golf, golf carts for every team, closest to pin on every par 3 for men and women, longest drive for men and women, longest putt for men and women, lunch in the clubhouse and prizes for the winning teams.

Registration: 8:30am-9:45am
Pre-Tournament Games: 8:30am-9:45am
Shotgun Start 10am

Prizes: 1st place: $400; 2nd Place:$300; 3rd Place: $200

A portion of the proceeds that are made at the Scholarship Golf Tournament will go towards scholarships and retention for American Indian students to attend College.
Questions: Contact Stephanie Hendricks @ 218-755-2032

Why Treaties Matter is a traveling exhibit that explores the relationships between the Dakota & Ojibwe Nations and the United States Government within the State of Minnesota. There will be video presentations and banners with full text and images. Why treaties Matter will be temporarily housed in the American Indian Resource Center Gathering Room on the Bemidji State University campus for public viewing. Open dates for viewing are, July 11, 2013 to August 22, 2013 with viewing hours, 8am to 4pm. The Gathering Room where the Why Treaties Matter exhibit will be housed is also used for other events for which viewing of the exhibit will be temporarily closed to the public, please feel free to call the American Indian Resource Center at 218-755-2032 before your visit to insure that there will be public viewing available.

To learn more visit: http://www.minnesotahumanities.org/treaties

The 33rd Annual American Indian Students Awards Recognition Banquet was held April 18th, 2014 in the Beaux Arts Ball Room at Bemidji State University.
The Honors Song and Traveling Song were performed by Pipestone Drum Group, and the Pipe Ceremony was by Dennis Jones. Dr. Anton Treuer; Executive Director of the ARIC was Master of Ceremonies, and this year’s Keynote address was given by Dave Anderson, of Famous Dave’s restaurant chain.
2013-2014 scholarship award recipients were as followed:
Joe and Jan Lueken American Indian Scholarship to Kim Dickson
Red Lake Scholarship to Laurel Lussier
Ester & Alfred Instebo Scholarship to Ingrid Mesarina
Stuart Desjarlait Memorial Scholarship to James Chalmers
F. Miles and Margret Nelson Scholarship to Malissa Jones
Stan K. Medina Scholarship to Robie Rock
Jack and Marie St. Martin American Indian Scholarship to Jineane Williams
The Outstanding Student of the Year for 2012-2013 was awarded to Thomas Jones.

Giniwgiizhig, an enrolled member of White Earth Reservation and an Ojibwemowin language instructor at Bemidji State University, successfully defended his dissertation recently. He will receive his Ed. D in the field of Organization Leadership and Policy Development from the University of Minnesota. His cohort emphasis was leadership of two-year colleges and his dissertation title was An Analysis of Traditional Ojibwe Civil Chief Leadership. Giniwgiizhig interviewed hereditary Ojibwe Chiefs in Minnesota and northwestern Ontario while on his journey to achieve his higher educational goal. He expressed a love and passion for teaching the Ojibwe language and emphasized he also strongly believes in decolonization and Indigenizing education at all levels.

http://www.bemidjistate.edu/bsutoday/on-campus/2013/04/17/collection-of-early-20th-century-native-photographs-unveiled-at-airc

The 40th Annual Pow-Wow, hosted by Bemidji State University Council of Indian Students, was held on April 12-13 at BSU’s John Glas Fieldhouse. Masters of Ceremonies were Animikii and Tom Cain, the Arena Director was Darryl Northbird, the Advisor was Darrell Kingbird and the Host Drum was the T.C. Boyz. There was a wonderful turnout for this event!

American Indian students with a 3.0 or higher are encouraged to apply for the prestigious McNair Program, which will fast-track them for graduate school. The TRiO McNair Scholars Office is currently accepting applications for fall 2013. The McNair Scholars Program aims to successfully prepare scholars for entrance into graduate school. The ultimate goal of the program is for scholars to achieve a Ph.D. within ten years of graduating from Bemidji State University. The program is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Education and named after the late Ronald E. McNair who perished on the space shuttle Challenger in 1986.

The main components of the program include conducting original research under the guidance of a faculty mentor and receiving training in writing, communication and graduate school preparation. Scholars receive financial support and travel opportunities that include presenting their research at conferences, visiting their top-choice graduate school and attending cultural activities.

Please contact Kristina Cirks at kcirks@bemidjistate.edu if interested.

Bemidji State University listed in 2013 education guide for native students by SAY MAGAZINE (www.saymag.com).

Boozhoo! My name is Lara Gerhardson and I am the outreach liaison for the Minnesota Indian Scholarship Program with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education.

In my position with the scholarship program, I give financial aid presentations to high school students throughout the state with an emphasis on the MISP. My other primary role is as a point-of-contact for students who have been awarded the scholarship or are seeking further information on the MISP.

I am happy to have an office at the American Indian Resource Center and welcome you to drop by with any questions you may have for me or if you would like to chat. Office hours are on Thursday mornings from 9-12 and by appointment. I can be reached at: misp.lara@hotmail.com or, at 755-2557.

For more information on eligibility requirements and links to the MISP and other scholarship resources, visit our website at: www.getreadyforcollege.org/indianscholarship.

Have a great summer!

Karl Leonard is a renowned scholar of indigenous history and culture and a celebrated leader of the Maori language revitalization movement. He is traveling to Bemidji State University on a Fulbright Scholarship from New Zealand. Please check out the AIRC calendar to see dates and times of his presentations in our Indian Study & Ojibwe Language Classes.

Red Lake Tribal Chairman and Bemidji State University Alumnus Floyd “Buck” Jourdain first met Barack Obama during the President’s first campaign for President. At the Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Chairman Jourdain asked then Senator Obama, “If elected President, what is your plan to assure that tribal sovereignty, the Federal-Indian  relationship, Treaty rights, and Indian territories are protected, and upheld under your administration?” Melanie Benjamin, Mille Lacs Tribal Chairwoman (also a BSU Alumnus) and Jourdain were the only Minnesota tribal leaders in attendance at this pivotal event. With the attention of Indian country riveted on his response, Obama crafted a careful answer from which administration’s policy on Indian affairs would emerge. Obama’s answer focused on improved communication and a strengthened relationship with Indian country as well as a series of initiatives designed to strengthen native nations. And that is exactly what happened after Obama’s election. Bemidji State University is very proud to count among their alumni Red Lake Tribal Chairman Buck Jourdain, Mille Lacs Tribal Chairwoman Melanie Benjamin, and Leech Lake Tribal Chairwoman Carri Jones. Setting new directions in Indian country and shaping national policy—that is what Minnesota tribal leadership and BSU Almuni do.

Dr. Anton Treuer, Executive Director of the American Indian Resource Center at Bemidji State University, has been selected by the Society for the Study of the Indigenous Languages of the Americas as the winner of the SSILA’s prestigious 2012 Ken Hale Prize. This prize honors the memory of renowned MIT linguist Kenneth Locke Hale (1934-2001), who worked on languages all over the world but began his career as an Americanist and continued to work on the indigenous languages of the Americas throughout his life. In granting the award, the SSILA looks for an individual or group that exemplifies Hale’s commitment to both linguistic scholarship and service to indigenous language communities. This prize is presented in recognition of outstanding community language work and a deep commitment to the documentation, maintenance, promotion, and revitalization of indigenous languages in the Americas. The prize will be awarded at the annual meeting of the Society in Boston on January 4, 2013, and includes a cash award of $500.00. The SSILA awarded the prize to Dr. Treuer in recognition of his outstanding academic and community work with the Ojibwe language.

Anton Treuer is Editor of the Oshkaabewis Native Journal, the only academic journal of the Ojibwe language and author of 9 books: Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask, Ojibwe in Minnesota (“Minnesota’s Best Read for 2010” by The Center for the Book in the Library of Congress), The Assassination of Hole in the Day (Award of Merit Winner from the American Association for State and Local History), Ezhichigeyang: Ojibwe Word List, Awesiinyensag: Dibaajimowinan Ji-gikinoo’amaageng (“Minnesota’s Best Read for 2011” by The Center for the Book in the Library of Congress), Living Our Language: Ojibwe Tales & Oral Histories, Aaniin Ekidong: Ojibwe Vocabulary Project, Indian Nations of North America, and Omaa Akiing. He has a B.A. from Princeton University and a M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota.

There was a nice article published in the Minnesota Conservation Volunteer which examines Ojibwe lifeways in the northwoods by AIRC Executive Director Anton Treuer. The article is archived for free and has an accompanying teacher’s guide for incorporation into classroom use.

Link: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/young_naturalists/ojibwe/index.html

“Awesiinyensag Dibaajimowinan Ji-Gikinoo’amaageng” or “Animal Stories”. A monolingual Ojibwe childrens book was chosen by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress to represent Minnesota this year in the National Book Fesitval.

http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/event/article/id/100031599/group/News/

Welcome to the new AIRC website.  This new website will allow viewers to access what is happening at the AIRC; what is happening throughout campus and throughout Indian Country as it relates to American Indian faculty, staff and students at Bemidji State University.  Each semester we will add our latest AIRC newsletter; feature an American Indian faculty, staff, student or community member; let folks know what the BSU American Indian Alumni Chapter is up to; publish our upcoming events and activities; print notices about scholarship opportunities and application deadlines; and provide links to Academic Departments (Ojibwe Language, Indian Studies, etc.) and Student Life & Development programming.

Welcome to the AIRC website and enjoy browsing around.

Don Day, Executive Director