2025 Events - Culture, Connection & Community
October
October 23: Indigenous Perspectives Symposium on Food
Northern Michigan University (NMU) is proud to announce this year's Indigenous Perspectives Symposium on Food, a one-day event dedicated to exploring the rich traditions, profound significance, and evolving future of Indigenous food systems. The symposium will be held on Thursday, October 23rd, 2025 at NMU's Northern Center in Marquette, Michigan.
The symposium aims to bring together Indigenous leaders, elders, knowledge keepers, academics, and community members to share insights on topics ranging from traditional harvesting and sustainable land stewardship to food sovereignty and decolonization. Through a series of presentations, workshops, and communal meals, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the vital connection between food, culture, and identity in Indigenous communities.
August
August 25: Anishinaabe Welcoming Gathering
This event offered our campus community an opportunity to connect and be welcomed to the Anishinaabe homelands on which Northern Michigan University is built. The Anishinaabe Welcoming Gathering, held at the Waino Wahtera Pavilion on Monday, August 25th at 3 PM, brought students, faculty, and staff together in a spirit of gratitude and community.
Following the conclusion of Fall Fest, the powerful drum sounds of the Teal Lake Singers signaled the moment for us to gather, share space, and recognize the pavilion as a place for learning, healing, connection, and understanding.
Attendees came together to connect, learn, and celebrate the rich cultural heritage that is an integral part of our NMU community. The gathering served as a meaningful way to begin the academic year and helped foster a strong sense of belonging across campus.
This event was organized in collaboration with the Native American Student Association, the Center for Native American Studies, and the Office of Opportunity, Empowerment & People, with partial funding from the King-Chavez-Parks grant.
August 4-8: BIPOC Outdoors Summit and Rest Retreat at Northern Michigan University
The BIPOC Outdoors Summit and Rest Retreat @ NMU brought together outdoor enthusiasts, community builders, and those seeking restoration and inspiration for a meaningful gathering centered on connection, nature, and rest. While the events focused on uplifting the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in outdoor spaces, everyone was welcome to participate in creating a more inclusive, healing, and joyful outdoor community.
Whether attendees hoped to build new skills, connect with others, or simply pause and recharge, the Summit and Rest Retreat provided intentional spaces to reconnect with nature, with community, and with oneself.
We were grateful to welcome everyone during the summer of 2026.
June
June 16 to 20: Juneteenth Week of Jubilee
Juneteenth, an important moment in American history, represents resilience, freedom, and civic progress. Celebrating Juneteenth in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (U.P.) provided an opportunity to acknowledge Black history, recognize cultural contributions, and foster historical awareness within our community.
Our weekend-long celebration of history, culture, and resilience brought people together to commemorate Juneteenth. Hosted by the Office of Opportunity, Empowerment & People at Northern Michigan University, the Weekend of Jubilee featured engaging workshops, historical presentations, live performances, and meaningful opportunities for community connection.
