Indigistory brings together knowledge and resources from social sciences, arts and technology to support the creation of digital stories by American Indian community members across Michigan.

Awarded the 2017 Michigan State University Distinguished Partnership Award for Community-Engaged Creative Activities, Indigistory is a collaborative partnership with several community organizations. Indigistory began in 2012 through the efforts of Drs. Gordon Henry and Ellen Cushman.

In collaboration with MSU’s American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program, the Indigenous Law and Policy Center, and the Native Justice Coalition, the Native American Institute presented a distinguished speaker series focused on the history and legacy of Michigan’s Indigenous boarding schools. This series features renowned scholars, community leaders, and advocates who explore the origins, policies, and enduring impacts of these institutions on Native communities across the state.

The MSU Science Festival, in partnership with the Native American Institute,  invites Native high school students (grades 9–12) from the US and Canada to Michigan State University for an immersive STEAM experience.

Participants connect with faculty and staff in STEAM related fields, meet with Indigenous scientists, explore culturally grounded programs across science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, and enjoy guided tours of MSU’s vibrant campus, that include stops at the FRIB, MSU Planetarium, and MSU Dairy Store.  

All meals and lodging are provided at no cost.

In partnership with Michigan State University Libraries, the Native American Institute, and the Michigan Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP), the Anishinaabe Database Access Initiative (ADAI) is working to expand research opportunities for Tribal partners and Tribal colleges. Through this collaboration, NAI is facilitating access to academic databases—such as ProQuest—by including Tribal institutions under MSU’s existing licenses. This initiative empowers Tribal researchers with critical resources to support investigations into topics such as Indian boarding schools and repatriation and enhancing their ability to preserve and share Indigenous histories.