Indigenous celebration to welcome community, artist-in-residence

The Native American Institute, or NAI, and the Michigan Traditional Arts Program will co-host the annual MSU Indigenous Welcome Celebration on Sept. 16. The event will bring Indigenous students, families, faculty, staff and Tribal and community members together to celebrate the start of the academic year through connection, culture and community.

“Michigan State University is committed to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for Indigenous students,” said MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz. “The Indigenous Welcome event provides an opportunity to celebrate culture, build connections and strengthen meaningful engagement with Tribal nations and communities while deepening our understanding of their histories, cultures and traditions.”

The event will also welcome Ron Paquin, a master birch bark canoe builder from St. Ignace, Michigan, as MSU’s inaugural Native American artist-in-residence. A member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Paquin has spent decades building birch bark canoes and sharing Ojibwa traditions with Tribal citizens, students and community members. Through workshops, demonstrations and mentorship, he helps preserve and share the cultural knowledge, history and craftsmanship woven into the practice.

“We’re honored to welcome Elder Paquin as MSU’s inaugural Native American Artist-in-Residence,” said Kevin Leonard, director of NAI. “His work reflects generations of Ojibwa knowledge and tradition and his residency on campus will provide an opportunity for students, families and community members to learn about the cultural significance, history and artistry of birch bark canoe building.”

As part of his residency, Paquin will lead a community canoe build Sept. 17-20. Accompanied by master apprentices Adam Avery, Josh Homminga and Rob Rudd, Paquin will guide participants in building the canoe’s frame, shaping and placing the birch bark, stripping and preparing spruce roots and stitching the canoe together using traditional techniques, while sharing the knowledge and traditions passed down through generations of Ojibwa canoe builders.

Registration is required for both the Indigenous Welcome Celebration and the canoe build, becasue space is limited. To learn more and register, visit the Native American Institute’s website.