Indigi-Fest 2024: All About Sovereignty
Come and get acquainted with your sovereign neighbors!
This event has changed --> please see our Featured Speaker of October - Anton Treuer, Professor of Ojibwe at Bemidji State University and author of many books. He is building an Ojibwe teacher training program at Bemidji State University and his equity, education, and cultural work has put him on a path of service around the nation and the world. October 28th, 2025, Cook-Dewitt Center, Allendale
Come and join the local Anishinaabeg Community of GVSU Alumni, current students, faculty, and staff in informative, interactive, and engaging workshops throughout the entire day. A full schedule of workshops and presentation coming SOON!
Schedule from 2024
|
Wednesday, November 20th |
Activities |
|---|---|
|
10:30AM - 11AM |
Keynote Address: What is Tribal Sovereignty? A member of Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians of Michigan - The Gun Lake Tribal Council will be exploring the impacts of Tribal Sovereignty and the potential impacts of implementing a Two-Eyed Seeing Approach.
|
|
11AM - 12:30PM |
Workshop: Anishinaabemowin Language Sovereignty Anishinaabemowin language sovereignty is the right to speak and preserve the Anishinaabemowin language, which is vital to the Anishinaabeg People's survival and tribal sovereignty. Anishinaabemowin language is sacred and carries the Anishinaabeg people's culture, traditions, and customs. |
|
12:30PM - 1:30PM |
Manoomin and Food Sovereignty. Manoomin, or wild rice, is a vital part of Anishinaabe food sovereignty and environmental protection efforts. It is a sacred and culturally significant food for the Ojibwe, Ottawa, and Potawatomi people of the Great Lakes region. |
|
2PM - 3PM |
Sovereignty: Education and Social Work What does the tension from being Indigenous and a Social Worker/Educator create? How can an Indigenous approach to social work and education go beyond colonial constructs to demonstrate sovereignty? |
|
4PM - 5PM |
Intro to Powwow: Sovereignty through Ceremony Different groups will have different customs, beliefs, and ways of doing things…after all, this is a vibrant, living culture that has evolved over time and survived many challenges. Respect these differences and embrace them as you learn about Anishinaabek Sovereignty through the Powwow Ceremony. |
|
6:30PM - 9PM |
Sovereignty: "Two-Spirit Powwow" Movie and Panel Before colonization, Two-Spirit people held important roles in Indigenous communities, including as healers, shamans, ceremonial leaders, artists, and advisors. Two-Spirit sovereignty is a concept that involves the reclamation of Two-Spirit people's history and culture, and their roles in Native American communities.
|
Presenters
Jonathan Rinehart, LMSW, CTRP-C, ASD
Jonathan is citizen of Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, He is currently a Behavioral Health Clinician with the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi. He is an alumnus of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Leadership Network Fellowship. Jonathan is a current member of a cohort for Racial Healing through the University of Arkansas’ Center of Philanthropy. As a community member activist; He enjoys working to bring unity, solidarity, and healing within the Nave American Community.
Elliot Fair
Bozho, my name is Elliot Fair. I am a citizen of Match-E-Be-Nash-E-Wish Band of Pottawatomi (Gun Lake Tribe). I am currently an environmental technician working for the Gun Lake Tribe’s Environmental Department and grateful to be working for my fellow tribal citizens. I graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2023 with a bachelor’s in natural resource management.
Gun Lake Investments is a Tribal Economic Development Corporation that serves as the non-gaming investment arm of the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians, also known as the Gun Lake Tribe. We are committed to enhancing the economy of the Gun Lake Tribe and community by driving sustainable growth through a diverse range of business investments and activities.
Vendors
Several vendors will be in the main lobby 10-5.
Partners
