Northland College kicking off week of Native American Awareness events

The Northland College Indigenous Culture Center and Native American Student Association kicks off its week of Native American-related events Monday, March 16 and ends it with its annual Spring Powwow on Saturday, March 21. For more information, visit www.northland.edu/icc or contact: Katrina Werchouski, director of the Northland College Indigenous Culture Center at (715) 682-1344 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 Native American Awareness Days events include the following:

Monday, March 16, 6 p.m.
Northland College Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute
Dreamcatchers, Eagle Feathers, Tobacco, and the 4 Directions: An Introduction to Ojibwe Culture and Cultural Sensitivity
Join the director of the Northland College Indigenous Culture Center and the Native American Student Association for a teaching session that will provide a basic introduction to Ojibwe Culture. A discussion on cultural sensitivity and powwow etiquette will follow.

Tuesday, March 17, 6 p.m.
Northland College Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute
Ancient Teaching: Similarities in Sacred Ways
Northland College alum Jeremiah Manzer discusses similarities between ancient Celtic, Norse, and Asatru beliefs and Ojibwe culture regarding the many teachings of the seemingly simple Medicine Wheel.

Wednesday, March 18, 6 p.m.
Northland College Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute
Craftwork Day
Instructors will teach skills and techniques for making dreamcatchers, tobacco ties, and beading. Supplies will be provided, take home what you make.

Thursday, Mar. 19, 10 a.m.
Northland College Alvord Theatre
Storytelling and Music with Laughing Fox
Traditional stories, lessons, humor, and music will be shared! (Kids are encouraged to attend).

Thursday, March 19, 1 p.m.
Northland College Alvord Theatre
Supporting/Teaching Native Students and Curriculum Development
A panel of students, staff, and faculty will address important topics in education surrounding indigenous education, curriculum, awareness, and student support.

Thursday, March 19, 3 p.m.
Northland College Alvord Theatre 
Demystifying the College Process: FAFSA, Financial Aid, and Scholarship Searches
Members of the Northland College staff will provide helpful tips and resources to navigate the world of college searches, applications, financial aid, and scholarships. Assistance will be given for FAFSA filing as well. Staff will be available for one on one consultations and questions.

Friday, March 20, 7 p.m.
Northland College Kendrigan Center
Native American Awareness Week Feature Speaker: Esuara Tualo
Former NFL defensive tackle Esera Tuaolo, aka “Mr. Aloha” played for 5 NFL teams including the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and ‘99 Super Bowl Champions Atlanta Falcons. Tuaolo reinforces that the fear of the unknown can be conquered with education. His message that “hate is wrong in any form” helps us address the issue and minimize the negative impact that hate has on our society, no matter what form it comes in. Tuaolo will talk about his experience as an elite athlete, an out spokesperson, a Samoan, and a Christian, and how acting with love is the antidote to hate. Esera will be available for a short meet and greet after his presentation.

Saturday, March 21 
Northland College Kendrigan Center
41st Spring Powwow: A Celebration of our Communities and Cultures
All dancers and drummers welcome. Vendors & educational booths will be present. Grand entries at 1 p.m. & 7 p.m., feast at 5 p.m.


Northland College is a traditional liberal arts and sciences college with a unique focus on the environment and sustainability. Northland College and its Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute are located in Ashland, Wis., near the shores of Lake Superior. The College is broadly recognized as a leader in sustainability education having adopted the focus as its mission in 1971. Founded in 1892, Northland now enrolls 600 students. For more information about Northland College and its Institute, visit our website at www.northland.edu.