Department of Continuing Education, College of Menominee Nation

Rawhide Rattle workshop through the American Indian College Fund. Another success.

First day for the students of the Safe Guarding our Natural & Tribal Heritage Youth Program. Today Ms. Bonnie Mckeirnan covered "How to identify Native plants and they made first aid salve. They also made teas, so ask them what they learned about today.

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault sends a message at the Menominee Veterans Powwow with a red shawl honor dance for all women. Amazing day.

An exciting opportunity for youth to think about their future.

A GREAT big Wae Wae Nen to Kim Oshkeshequoam for taking "First Place" in the Pre Contact Cooking Contest. Kim won a 18 quart Nesco. Sarah Vande Corput, one of College of Menominee Nations very own Office Tech Instructor took 2nd place, winning a 8 quart Crock Pot and WAQSECEWAN OKEMAW (Lizette Bailey-Okimosh) took 3rd place winning a food processor. Mrs. Okemaw explained what pre contact food was to provided an explanation for those who did not know.

We would also like to say Wae Wae Nen to the judges who fought very hard to get the job over many other applicants with highly offered credentials on food tasting . Tessa James, Assistant Director of Advancement, June Corn, (Menominee Elder) and Christopher Caldwell - Director of Sustainable Development.

Watch the upcoming Tribal News for more pictures and information. As always, Wae Wae Nen to Chris Anderson for reporting on all of the activities going on here at College of Menominee Nation. Chris has dedicated himself to the Menominee Tribe by reporting on all the issues for many years. If you see him around, please say Wae Wae Nen for his dedication to this community.

College of Menominee Nation Earth Day Pre-Contact Cooking Contest. The location has been changed. Please bring your dishes to the Student Commons by 11:00 AM on April 25th. There will be prizes for the first three places. See attached flyer for more information. Please register with Renee O'Kimosh before event.

For more information call Renee O'Kimosh @ 715-799-6226 ext 3075.

College of Menominee Nation has received news this morning that the Department of Continuing Education will be collaborating with Menominee Tribal Enterprise once again to offer the Sawyer training. The training itself will not happen until August, but planning, coordinating and recruiting will start to take place the end of April or early May. This is an excellent opportunity for those who want to become employed through MTE and work in the Menominee forest. Annette Tourtillott will be getting the information out. If you have questions you can contact her at 715-799-6226 ext 3097 or email [email protected]. This is great news!

College of Menominee Nation Sister Site Visit
Leech Lake Tribal College
Faceless Dolls
November 10 & 11, 2017

Today, I met a beautiful Elder, Joyce LaPoint, with a very soft voice, who taught me the importance of the past, present and future. She shared her story why we rely on the past to pass on our knowledge of the teachings and the importance to continue our heritage. With a little excitement in my heart, I set out on an eight hour drive to Leech Lake Tribal College in Minnesota, wondering what challenges I was going to meet when I arrived.
Believe me, I did a little research on the project before I left home, just so I could ask a lot of questions. No need for that, the moment she started talking I was mesmerized. She made everyone in the room feel welcome and she settled my nervousness. I was honored with her presence.
As I followed her instructions and began to sew my doll, I realized that things I took for granted would have to be looked at again. To go into a store and buy a doll would never provide me with the satisfaction of my faceless creation. The materials we used had meaning and love. The story behind the hair from her grandmother and the harvesting of milkweed for stuffing put tears in my eyes. The smell of the buckskin made me feel honored to be a part of this group. I listened tentatively, as I wanted to walk away from my new friends knowing they are a part of my doll.
Wae Wae Nen to the American Indian College Fund for allowing this visit to happen. We shared, we smiled, and we hugged. Wae Wae Nen to Bridget Skenadore for providing me with the opportunity to attend and to the donors who keeps these gifts alive.
What is in your heart is more important than how you look.

SISTER SITE VISIT
American Indian College Fund
January 6 & 7, 2018
Sitting Bull Tribal College, North Dakota

This weekend, Denise McKay, a Tribal Elder from Fort Yates, North Dakota, brought me to a point in my life that inspired me to look differently at life and my surroundings. Listening to her stories, how she spoke about her mother with love, how she cradled everything that was taught to her, and how she spreads her knowledge to anyone who wants to learn put such a joy in my heart and my soul, I felt as if I would burst when I told my family.

The meaning behind the skirt was softly explained to our group with a passion that brought tears to my eyes. Not understanding the real reason behind the traditional skirt, I soon learned and it is imprinted in my heart. Denise explained that the grounds are sacred and when the skirt touches the earth you become as one. What a gentle way of touching each and every machine that was being used to create this skirt with passion and reason.

The room was quiet and the machines sang a beautiful song. Love went into each skirt and the smiles of completion beamed as each person held up their project with pride. To me, it was a special cleansing, a reason to go home with a smile and a passion to create more.


Wae Wae Nen to the American Indian College Fund for allowing this visit to happen. I made lasting friendships, renewed some old, and through our hugs made special bonds.
Wae Wae Nen to Bridget Skenadore for providing me with the opportunity to attend and to the donors who keep these gifts alive.

"When you put your skirt on, you're showing Mother Earth who you are." - Myra Laramee (Fisher River Cree Nation)

The taker of "The Giving Plate". Smile Debbie McPherson.

Just a few pictures of our Fiber Bag Weaving class. Way to go ladies. You are creating the future.