Cultural and Social Programs

We celebrate Indigenous culture

The cultural and social programs offered by our Office of Indigenous Affairs allow our campus and local community to come together to learn about Indigenous culture and history.

The Office of Indigenous Affairs exists in part because of the long-standing relationship that we have with the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe. The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe is an active sponsor of CMU athletics, CMU scholarships, and many cultural-related activities.

View the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and Central Michigan University Resolution.

Together we

• Attract Indigenous students to CMU and help them achieve their educational goals.
• Build student leaders through committee work and internship programs.
• Serve as a liaison to Michigan’s tribal communities to determine their educational needs.
• Sponsor programs that provide opportunities for everyone to experience Indigenous cultures through activities, workshops and events.

​Activities include

• Organizing cultural events for the CMU community
• Maintaining an Indigenous resource collection
• Recruiting Indigenous students
• Serving as a liaison with tribal communities
• Providing support services for any CMU student, but particularly CMU Indigenous students

Programs include

• ​Annual CMU Celebrating Life Pow wow
• Native American Heritage Month Celebration
• Film series and speakers
• North American Indigenous Summer Enrichment Camp (NAISEC)
• The North American Indigenous Student Organization (NAISO)
• The Three Fires American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)
• Workshops and trainings specializing in Indigenous cultures and issues