EAST LANSING, Mich. – Gordon Henry was named director of the Native American Institute, which is housed in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University.
As director, Henry will lead the NAI in providing training, technical assistance, research and educational assistance to Native American tribes and organizations in Michigan. Additionally, he will help serve Michigan officials and lawmakers by offering periodic information on policy alternatives regarding Indian issues.
The NAI works to promote and enhance the public’s knowledge and awareness of Michigan Indian communities, initiatives, history and culture.
“This position intrigued me because it will allow me to maintain a connection that has always been very important to me,” Henry said. “It’s part of my heritage, my background, my culture, and most of my family members work in or with tribal communities.
“I also see this as an opportunity to build on new and exciting programs in areas such as sustainability and land management that are important to American Indian communities.”
Henry, 55, is a member of the White Earth Chippewa Tribe of Minnesota. He most recently served as senior editor of the American Indian Studies Series by the Michigan State University Press. Before that, he was director of creative writing in MSU’s Department of English, where he has been teaching since 1996.
The NAI was established to assist North American Indian organizations, nonprofits and tribal governments in meeting current and future needs. Over the years, the NAI has expanded its role to include research and technical assistance in fundraising and grantsmanship in an effort to promote Indian self-sufficiency and self-determination. The Native American Institute is the only such institute in the Great Lakes Region.
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