Michigan State University’s Native American Institute, housed within the Office of University Outreach and Engagement, partnered with the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential to produce an updated resource guide designed to improve access to Tribal and Indigenous resources.
The Native American Resource Guide serves as a centralized, user-friendly tool to help Tribal communities, Native students, community partners and stakeholders connect with Tribal and Indigenous services and opportunities across Michigan. By providing digital access to these resources, the guide supports greater collaboration, cultural understanding and community engagement.
“Our goal is to ensure that Native American students and families have the resources and guidance they need to succeed at every stage of their educational journey,” said Melissa Kiesewetter, Tribal liaison for MiLEAP. “The Native American Resource Guide addresses the unique needs of Tribal communities while helping educators, counselors and student success coaches more easily navigate Tribal and Indigenous services, scholarships and opportunities, so they can provide the best possible support.”
Kevin Leonard, director of NAI, emphasized the significance of the collaborative project and the long-standing role of the resource guide in supporting Tribal and Indigenous communities. “The NAI is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with MiLEAP on this important initiative,” he said. “For more than three decades, the Native American Resource Guide has served as an important source of information about Native communities in Michigan and beyond. Our collaborative efforts ensure elders, Tribal nations and other community members and partners can connect with the supports they need.”
Included in the guide:
- Tribal contacts: Connect with Tribal governments and community organizations across the state
- State and federal contacts: Access relevant state and federal offices supporting Native communities
- Native education, legal and health: Information to support academic success, legal needs and wellness
- Genealogical research and resources: Resources for exploring family history and cultural heritage
- Scholarship resources: Listings of scholarships available to Native students at all educational levels, including MiLEAP’s Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver program
Last published in 2016 as a print-only publication, the guide had limited reach and accessibility. The newly relaunched edition is available both online and in print and features updated information and artwork from Native artists from Michigan.
This story originally appeared on the University Outreach and Engagement website.
