MSU Extension Tribal Extension

Michigan State University Extension is excited to announce the Building Strong Sovereign Nations: Anishinabek Leadership for Seven Generations (BSSN) training series returns in June 2023. In partnership with the MSU Center for Community and Economic Development and with generous funding provided by the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan and the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the 2023 BSSN series will be offered at no cost to participants and will be held in-person at various locations and available to be live-streamed on Zoom for a virtual attendance option.

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BSSN responds to the needs and cultures of Michigan Tribal Nations by working to support efforts to build resilient communities, organizations, and governments. This proven training model plays a critical role for leaders, professionals and community members seeking to build knowledge while increasing connections across Tribal Nations along with community and economic development. The program is geared toward:

• Tribal Nation appointed and elected officials;
• Tribal College faculty, administrators and students;
• Tribal administrators; and
• All interested community members.

The 2023 BSSN series includes 5 programs, all taught by tribal leaders, professionals, and officials from across Indian Country, MSU faculty, and MSU Extension educators. Register for the series here. MSU Extension will award certificates of completion to participants for each of the five programs offered.

To learn more about Building Strong Sovereign Nations: Anishinabek Leadership for Seven Generations and other MSU Extension offerings, please visit the MSU Extension Tribal governance and education webpage at canr.msu.edu/tribal_education or the Facebook page at Facebook.com/MSUETribalGov. For more information, please contact the BSSN Team at TribeExt@msu.edu.

June 7: Land management and grants

Gnowendimang maage naawtoowing gdoo-akiinaa

The first program in the series will be held on June 7, 2023, from 1-4:30 p.m. hosted by Bay Mills Community College at Adikameg Hall, or live-streamed via Zoom. Topics to be covered will include techniques for land use planning, land management and design, conservation, tourism and grant management.

June 13-15: Facilitative leadership workshop (in-person only)

Gaa-nagimigaazojig

This program, held June 13-15 at the University of Michigan Biological Station in Pellston, will allow participants to fine tune their skills in engaging the public, as well as leading and participating in meetings. This offering in the series is only available in-person and is limited to 15 registrants, with lodging and meals included.

June 19: Economic resiliency

Ezhi-ntaa-nokiimgok Ngodoodenaawziwin

Hosted by Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College (SCTC) or streamed live via Zoom, this program will focus on tools for resiliency, community investing, and comprehensive development strategies. This offering is held from 1-4:30 p.m. on June 19, 2023, in Room 2 of the South Building of SCTC.

June 20: Anishinabek Leadership

Gaa-nagimigaazojig

Hosted by Bay Mills Community College at Adikameg Hall in Brimley, this program will focus on Aniskinabek leadership frameworks, ethics, finances, and effective meetings. Participants can attend in-person or stream live via Zoom on June 20, 2023, from 1-4:30 p.m.

June 23: A gathering of leaders and officials

Maawnjidowin nji-sa e-niigaanzijig nkweshkodaadiwaad miiniwaa dibaatamoowaad ji-mina-maajiishkaang miiniwaa ji-mshkooziimgak ngodoodenaawziwin

(A Gathering to Discuss The Growth and Strengthening of our Communities)

The final offering of the 2023 BSSN series is a gathering of leaders and officials for a summit focusing on comprehensive economic development strategies and funding opportunities for Tribal Leaders in Michigan. Available in-person or stream live via Zoom, the summit will be held June 23, 2023, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. in the Swan Creek Ballroom at the Soaring Eagle Resort and Conference Center in Mt. Pleasant.