The Native American Resource Guide was first published as the Michigan Indian Quarterly out of the Michigan Office for Civil Rights. Developed before the 12 Tribal Nations that share geography had received their reaffirmation status, the Michigan Indian Quarterly compiled and shared helpful contact information about Native American organizations, powwow schedules, and other cultural resources. The guide has been a resource for Tribal citizens, Native American students and families, and organizations serving Indigenous populations for over three decades. It was last published in 2016. In 2024, Michigan State University’s Native American Institute (NAI) collaborated with the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) to update the resource guide and make it available online and in print.

Message from Melissa Kiesewetter of MiLEAP

As the Tribal Liaison for the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP), I am committed to ensuring access to educational opportunities for all Native students. Furthermore, it is a goal of this agency to identify, build, and strengthen resources for students and families that support their educational journey and enhance positive outcomes. We hope this directory helps address the unique needs of Tribal communities and Native students. Additionally, we recognize the many community partners who strive to foster the educational journey of Native students, such as high school counselors, academic advisors, and student success coaches. For many of these folks, navigating Tribal and Indigenous resources can be challenging. For that reason, we also hope that this directory can equip them with information and knowledge to serve Native students and families in the best way possible.

Message from Kevin Leonard of NAI

It is the mission of the Native American Institute (NAI) to produce and further scholarship and programming for the benefit of Tribes, Native American communities, and Native organizations. Therefore, the NAI is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with MiLEAP on this important initiative. The Native American Resource Guide has served as an important source of information for all things Native in the state of Michigan and beyond for over three decades. I personally still have the last printed copy in my desk drawer. The NAI is pleased to assist MiLEAP in creating and hosting an updatable online version of the resource guide and publishing a visually pleasing printed copy that will be made available every five years to elders, Tribal Nations, and other community members and partners.

Art in This Guide

The NAI, in conjunction with MiLEAP, solicited artwork from community members across the state to enhance both the web and print versions of the Native American Resource Guide. We put out a call for artists to submit digital images of their work. We received eight submissions and were able to include images from at least four artists.

For additional information about the artists featured in this guide, please contact:
Caitlin Wanic, Artist/Beadworker
caitwanic@gmail.com
Facebook/Instagram: grandmothermoondesigns

Minnie Wabanimkee, Artist/Photographer
minniewabanimkee@gmail.com
Facebook: MinnieWabanimkee

NOTE: If you find phone numbers, links, or other information in the Native American Resource Guide that are no longer working or out of date, or if you feel there is a resource missing from this guide, please contact nai@msu.edu with information that needs to be updated or edited.