13th annual Upper Peninsula
Indian Education Conference
"Engaging American Indian Youth in the Classroom and Beyond"
Mon., Sept. 21, 2009
NMU Don H. Bottum University Center
The keynote presenters for this year's conference are Small Cook (Bernadette) and Maheengun Shawanda. The Shawanda's run outdoor learning programs through the Great Lakes Cultural Camps in Ontario. Maheengun has been working with school districts in Ontario to introduce what outdoor activities can do for student learning. Be sure to join us after lunch for their presentation.
2009 U.P. Indian Education Program
Registration Form
“The power of the Upper Peninsula Indian Education Conference lies in the strong connections it makes to all peoples in the world. Through the use of rich local cultural experiences, this conference will teach participants to value the language, art, history, and voice of every individual.”
--Dr. Joe Lubig, NMU School of Education
"Attending the UP Indian Education Conference has allowed me to grow as a teacher and a learner. Thanks to the wonderful presentations, I have a better understanding of how my choices as an educator can offer support or counteract bias in the classroom, especially as it relates to Native American students, cultures, or experiences."
--Dr. Kia Jane Richmond, Associate Professor of English - Secondary Education, NMU English Department
The UP Indian Educators’ Conference was one of the most worthwhile professional developments I have attended. As a future educator, it made me aware of issues in Native American inclusion in the classroom that I had not been aware of before – things that have the potential to make or break a Native American student’s academic career. I highly recommend this conference to any and all education majors!
--Jen Howell, NMU graduate
This free conference is designed for anyone who works with American
Indian students (K-12) and their families or those who teach about
American Indians or those who simply want to learn more. This
conference is presented by the NMU Center for Native American
Studies, the GEAR UP/College Day Program, the King*Chavez*Parks
Visiting Professor Initiative, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, and
the U.S. Department of Education Office of Innovation and Improvement
to implement a Teacher Training program as part of the Excellence in
Economic Education Program with additional support from the NMU
Center for Economic Education and Entrepreneurship.
Selena Melvin
2009 presenter:
Creating a College Going Culture.
The 2008 conference was held on Monday Sept. 20, 2008, on campus. Keynote speaker was D.J. Eagle Bear Vanas, an internationally acclaimed motivational speaker. Check out his presentation on Media Site Live. Several other presentations were held throughout the day including one on financial literacy for youth, Special Education, Health and 150 participants during a buffet lunch.
