CMU, Tribe pledge support for collaborative educational initiatives

Scott Csernyik

5/15/2002 12:00:00 AM

Leaders from Central Michigan University and the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan recently signed a proclamation pledging their support for joint educational efforts and advancing an appreciation of global indigenous peoples.

The April 30 signing was part of a partnership luncheon on the CMU campus involving Kahgegab and Rao, as well as about three dozen other campus and Tribal leaders. As a show of mutual support, university and Tribal flags were exchanged for use at collaborative events at CMU and Tribal facilities.

The Saginaw Chippewa Tribe and CMU are pursuing a joint venture to host a United Nations-funded international conference on indigenous issues in higher education, which would serve as the foundation for the establishment of an International Institute for Indigenous Ways of Knowing at CMU.

"The university and the Tribe have a strong historic and academic relationship and are pursuing a joint venture to host in Mt. Pleasant and international conference to explore ways to integrate indigenous ways of knowing into higher education," stated the proclamation. "This proposed event-The International Conference on Indigenous Issues in Higher Education-will provide an opportunity for indigenous peoples, scholars, teachers and current students to engage in discussions on how indigenous ways of knowing can be incorporated into Western curricula, pedagogy and research."

Other collaborative initiatives between CMU and the Tribe include:

-Saginaw Chippewa representation on a Mt. Pleasant-area community advisory board for CMU President Rao;

-the installation of outdoor kiosks that create a greater Native American presence on the CMU campus;

-sports clinics by CMU coaches for Native American youth as part of an educational initiative that focuses on youth succeeding in school; and

-a transfer agreement that allows for Native American students at the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College to complete their studies toward a baccalaureate degree at CMU.