More than 100 students, faculty and staff gathered outside of Bemidji State University’s American Indian Resource Center in observance of its annual Day of Welcome on Aug. 25.
Chrissy Downwind, executive director of the AIRC, began the event with an official welcome and introduced the Ojibwe Nation drum group, led by Rodney Johnson Jr. The group also welcomed guest drummers John Gonzalez, professor of psychology, and Mark Baez, assistant professor of counseling and clinical psychology.
After an introductory honor song, Roxanne DeLille, dean of Indigenous and academic affairs at Fond Du Lac Tribal Community College in Cloquet, Minnesota, conducted a pipe ceremony that honored the four directions, land, water and sky that surround campus.
Fellow AIRC leaders Ann Humphrey, associate director of retention, and Ron Wilson, associate director of outreach, welcomed students from across campus and served mannomin (wild rice) with a side of fruit and berries with maple syrup.
Event Photo Gallery
Upcoming Events
The Day of Welcome was the first of a number events the AIRC will hold for students throughout the beginning of the fall semester.
Tuesday, August 31
11 a.m. – Nacho Average Tuesday
Nacho bar. Location: American Indian Resource Center, BSU campus. Closed to the public.
Thursday, September 2
11 a.m. – Going Green
A meal and discussion on how to reduce waste. Location: American Indian Resource Center, BSU campus. Closed to the public.
Wednesday, September 8
11 a.m. – What’s the Scoop?
Ice cream social. Location: American Indian Resource Center, BSU campus. Closed to the public.
Friday, September 10
11 a.m. – Beaver Barbecue
A barbecue with students, faculty and staff. Location: American Indian Resource Center, BSU campus. Closed to the public.
Contact
Links
2021-B-012