Indigenous Perspectives Symposium on Medicines

Northern Michigan University invites you to this year's Indigenous Perspectives Symposium on Medicines, a one-day event dedicated to exploring the rich traditions, profound significance, and evolving future of Indigenous approaches to healing and wellbeing.

The symposium will be held from noon–5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, at NMU's Northern Center.

This year’s symposium will bring together Indigenous leaders, elders, knowledge holders, practitioners, academics, and community members to share insights on topics ranging from traditional medicinal plants and healing practices to Indigenous health education and applied seventh-generation thinking. Through a series of presentations, workshops, and communal gatherings, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the vital connection between medicine, land, language, and spirit in Indigenous communities.

This year's symposium will also celebrate the 30th anniversary of NMU's Center for Native American Studies.

The symposium is free and open to the public. A dinner will follow, with tickets available at the following prices:

Students: $5
Faculty and staff: $20
General admission: $25

Members of Native communities, students, scholars, and journalists are especially encouraged to attend. This is a crucial opportunity to learn directly from those whose knowledge has sustained Indigenous communities for millennia.

For more information and event highlights, visit the Indigenous Perspectives Symposium website.

For questions about the event, please contact jschapp@nmu.edu.