American Indian Learning Resource Center UMD

Sweetland Farms owned by Counselor and employee at UMD Veronica and her husband Nathan welcomed us from the AILRC, along with guests, whom were UMD students, Faculty, and supportive community members to pick berries at their berry farm!
It was the best day to be there seemingly, a breeze, perfect temperature outside, and all the berries you could pick fresh and organic!
Sweetland was created in 2014 in Cloquet by Nathan and Veronica and as said by them "From the beginning, our hope for Sweet Land Farm has been simple: to create a space where our community can play, explore, and enjoy the beauty of nature — all while picking fresh, organic blueberries grown with care. Every single bush has been planted and nurtured by hand, with love and gratitude for the people who support us".
It was a good to be there, a good day to strengthen our work and community relationships at what can reflected on as a brief and effective work retreat!
Very relaxing and beneficial for each of us who were there to be hands on and focused on collecting such healthy and awesome blueberries!
Miigwech Sweetland Farms!

This weekend!

Mark your calendars and join us for our 47th annual SOBRIETY POWWOW!

The 31st Annual Grand Portage Wellness Fair, held June 27th, 2026.
Jody attended on behalf of the AILRC and UMD last week where she was able to connect with some future bulldogs and meet others, the event was overall well organized for their tribal members,
Jody was asked to table by the Grand Portage Tribal Chairman Bobby D at a recent American Indian Advisory Board meeting
This rounds out our tabling for this year until the cycle starts this Fall Semester, anyone interested in having the AILRC table at your event for the 2026-27 academic year please feel free to reach out to us! [email protected]
The pictures following the event pictures are of the mighty Lake Superior and it was so smooth that day, no waves whatsoever!

Sorry for the last minute update, but there had to be a schedule change for our lacrosse game tomorrow 7/6. We will be at the green space by the tennis courts/softball fields (UMD campus), and it will be earlier than usual 2pm - 5pm! Please note the other two earlier times in July as well - updated July schedule below. The weather forecast looks great for tomorrow!

Next weekend, our Fond du Lac Band hosts Northern Minnesota’s largest veterans‑honoring powwow 🌅. From Friday night through Sunday afternoon, we welcome visitors and community members to enjoy a weekend full of song, dance and honoring 🎶.

Explore the flyer below and visit fdlband.org/culture/2026veteranspowwow.php for full details, schedules and travel information.

A free hourly shuttle will run from the Black Bear Casino Resort parking lot to the powwow grounds 🚐. Shuttle service is wheelchair accessible.

All are welcome 🌿

Share with the masses on our behalf! 📣
Let’s come together to honor Veterans.

UMD Native Student Alex was recognized and attended the Native Forward’s Empowering Scholars Summit 2026! This event was in the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus, held June 5-7 and aimed to create a space for participants to elevate their professional skills, expand their social capital and networks, enhance personal brand, and develop an executive presence.
WTG Alex!

We are thrilled to announce Fire in the Village will be joining us for our Recovery Night Series on Tuesday, June 23. The doors open at 6:00 pm with music starting at 7:00 pm. This is a free event and all are welcome. We will share a meal together as well.

There are limited seats available so please RSVP using the QR code or click on the link below: https://www.fireinthevillage.org/events/magical-frybread-drive-in-26-mobile-mini-fest

TBT, 2026-AILRC!
November 5th, 2025. Walter, Jennie, and the school's Native education department of Lac du Flambeau Wisconsin visited the AILRC and in the office we alongside Mark Z. hosted a meet and greet for them to make connections with the UMD campus. The Lac Courte Oreilles high school had students visit our office that day too!
We support you Wisconsin and your students who attend UMD and the AILRC!

TBT, bringing back the Throwback Thursday AILRC edition!
The American Indian Learning Resource Center hosted a student-focused conversation with Sean Sherman, The Sioux Chef, on Friday, November 7, 2025.
This was a 45-minute personal session with him with a focus on our Native students of UMD in attendance.
Many attended this event including fellow staff and faculty with questions for the Chef and to celebrate his book release where we could purchase signed editions of his then newest book, Turtle Island! Miigwech, Pilamayaye Mr. Sean Sherman!