BEMIDJI, Minn. — Gary Fuller and Mary Ringhand will discuss the background and significance of the Red Lake Archives and Library as part of a 10 a.m. Academy of Lifelong Learning lecture on Tuesday, March 31.

Open to the public at no charge, the 90-minute session will be held at the Bemidji State University Center for Research and Innovation, located at 3801 Bemidji Avenue North.

The Red Lake Nation was the first reservation in the country to establish an archive and library in 1989 to preserve tribal records and historical material.

Located in the tribal council headquarters, it is a depository for books, publications, government records and items of historical, linguistic and cultural value. Also among its holdings are pottery shards, arrowheads, beadwork, sculptures, leatherwork, birch bark items and writings from local people.

During the program, Fuller and Ringhand will discuss the beginnings of the archives and library, its history, current activities and future plans. They will also provide an overview of the role that tribal archives play in meeting community and individual needs.

“Anyone can benefit from this presentation, especially those having an interest in learning more about historical and contemporary challenges that tribal nations face in today’s society,” said Ringhand. “It is hoped that mutual benefits to our communities will result from educating ourselves in our shared experience and future relations.”

Fuller has worked with the Red Lake Archives and Library for 12 years and has served as its director for the past two years.

The former president of the Red Lake Nation Tribal College, Ringhand currently is the executive assistant to the secretary of the Red Lake Tribal Council.

Coming Up
The lecture series will continue on April 7, when Dr. Mary Hrenchir, a member of Bemidji State’s history faculty, will discuss the roots of the conflict in the Middle East.

The Academy of Lifelong Learning offers humanities-based programs made possible in part with private donations and support from Bemidji State University. Individuals who wish to be added to the ALL mailing list or have questions about this program should contact the Bemidji State University Center for Research and Innovation at (218) 755-4900; toll free, (888) 738-3224; e-mail, cri@bemidjistate.edu; or at http://www.cri-bsu.org.

FOR YOUR CALENDAR
March 31 – 10 a.m. – Bemidji State University Center for Research and Innovation hosts Academy of Lifelong Learning lecture on the Red Lake Archives and Library. Presenters: Gary Fuller, director, Red Lake Archives and Library, and Mary Ringhand, executive assistant to the secretary of the Red Lake Tribal Council. Location: CRI; 3801 Bemidji Ave. N., Bemidji, Minn. Cost: free. For information: (218) 755-4900; (888) 738-3224; http://www.cri-bsu.org.