Fall 2025 Events
For more information about upcoming events on this list, email AIIS GA Orville Cayaditto at cayaditt@msu.edu
October 8
Esther Belin, Poetry Reading and Book Signing
RCAH Theater reading, Reception/Book Signing LookOutGallery, 7 pm
Grand Entry – Noon
Celebrate your Spartan pride through the art of beadwork! This workshop combines creativity and community as participants learn to design and create their own beadwork piece featuring the iconic Spartan “S.” Guided by Mary Lee, a member of the Nokomis Cultural Heritage Center, and Emily Sorroche, a member of EAGLE, participating will explore the cultural signifance of beadwork, build community while learning a new skill, and create a keepsake that showcases your Spartan spirit. Whether you are new to beadwork or an experiences crafter this space will provide a meaningful way to connect with fellow Spartans. All materials provided. (**Homemade fry bread by Mary Lee provided)
Let’s Collaborate: A discussion about potential shared priorities, projects, and initiatives.
Join us for a conversation with the Native American Institute’s Tribal Engagement and Research Coordinator, Dr. Kehli Henry. Kehli will talk about her new role and responsibilities and ask for discussion and feedback on a few initiatives NAI is hoping to collaborate on.
February 21, 2026
NAISO Powwow of Love – Save the Date
Upcoming Community Events
September 27-28 Annual Dance by the River Powwow –https://www.lansing.org/event/annual-dance-by-the-river-pow-wow/55245/
September 30 – Orange Shirt Day
Hosted by the Lansing Native Community and Allies
The event will be held at the Capital Lawn (Lansing, Michigan)
Capital Lawn from 10 AM – 8 PM
Healing Ceremony on West Stairs 12 PM
September 28 – Contemporary Anishinaabe Art: A Continuation
Special Exhibition held until April 5, 2026
Located at the Detroit Institute of Arts (5200 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202)
PAST EVENTS
Spring 2025
January 24
Indigenous Studies Working Group: “Strengths-Based Research to Support Native Health”
Lunch and conversation led by Dr. Rachel Wilbur
January 23
Lecture: “From Historical Trauma to Survivance: The Role of Agency in Combatting the Health Effects of Colonial Subjugation”
Lecture from Dr. Rachel Wilbur (descendant Tolowa and Chetco) from Washington State University’s Institute for Research and Education to Advance Community Health (IREACH)
Sunday, March 16 – AIIS Film Screening (Killers of the Flower Moon) NAISO Room (Hubbard Hall Room G33) @ 1PM – 5PM
Sunday, March 30 – AIIS Film Screening (Fancy Dance) Multicultural Cetner (Multipurpose Room A) @ 1PM – 4PM
Friday, April 4 – AIIS Voices on Campus Presenter – Cameron Roman (AIIS Pre-Doctoral Fellow)
Saturday, April 5 – AIIS Symposium Multicultural Center @ 11am-4pm
2024 Native American Heritage Month
November 3 – Ghost Supper
- Sponsored by Nokomis Center and Indigenous Youth Empowerment Program
November 6 – MSU Culinary Services celebrates with a Native Feast featuring traditional Indigenous foods
- Sponsored by Office of Culture, Access and Belonging and the Office of Cultural & Academic Transitions
November 7 – Indigenous Hip Hop Talk with Frank Waln
- Presenter: Frank Whaln (Sicangu Lakota)
- Sponsored by Native American Institute and MSU Museum
November 8 – Cultivating Tradition with the 4 Sisters Garden
- Presenter: Mikayla Thompson (Descendant of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma)
- Sponsored by Office of Culture, Access, and Belonging
November 8 – Neshnabé Nengosêk Kenomagewen: Potawatomi Star Knowledge
- Presenter: Dr. Blaire Morseau (Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians)
- Sponsored by American Indian and Indigenous Studies, Religious Studies, Digital Humanities, and Abrams Planetarium
November 10 – Environmental Stewardship Workday – Invasive Buckthorn Removal
- Sponsored by Allen Neighborhood Center and Indigenous Youth Empowerment Program
November 13 – Holly Bird Presentation on Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP)
- Presenter: Holly Bird (Navajo)
- Sponsored by Indigenous Law and Policy Center
November 15 – Making MSU More Responsive to Native, Students, Faculty, and Staff
- Presenter: Dr. Kristin Arola (Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Lake Superior Band of Chippewa Indians decendant)
- Sponsored by American Indian and Indigenous Studies
November 16 – Crafting with the Aunties
- Location: Nokomis Cultural Heritage Center (5153 Marsh Rd, Okemos MI)
November 19 – Fireside Chat with Mary Smith: First Native American President of the American Bar Association (ABA)
- Presenter: Mary Smith (Cherokee Nation)
- Sponsored by Indigenous Law and Policy Center
November 19 – Beading with the Profs
- With: Ellie Michell and Blaire Morseau
- Sponsored by Indigenous Law and Policy Center
Supporting Programs for Native American Heritage Month 2024
Departments and Community Partners
- American Indian and Indigenous Studies
- Indigenous Law and Policy Center
- Indigenous Youth Empowerment Program
- Native American Institute
- Nokomis Cultural Heritage Center
- North American Indigenous Student Organization
- Office of Culture and Academic Transitions
- Office of Culture, Access, and Belonging
Campus Allies and Other Departments
- Allen Neighborhood Center
- Department of Religious Studies
- Digital Humanities
- MSU Culinary Services
- MSU Museum
2023-2024
April 10, 2024 – Voices on Campus: Angie Sanchez.
April 12, 2024 – Reciprocal Research: A Guidebook for Centering Community in Partnership with Indigenous Nations.Led by Emily Proctor and Ellie Mitchell.
April 15, 2024 – The Crisis in Gaza: A Conversation with Mouin Rabbani
April 20, 2024 – Braiding Sweetgrass with Robin Wall Kimmerer













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