Preserving Our Anishinaabek Culture through the Generations: Continuing the Tradition of Mentoring in the Great Lakes

Partners and Collaborators Minnesota- Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa University of Minnesota Extension Wisconsin- Sokaogon Chippewa Community, Mole Lake University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension-Brian Gauthier, Community Resources Development Educator

Partners and Collaborators Michigan: Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians Michigan State University Extension: Debra Gierke, 4-H National Tribal Mentorship Project Coordinator, School Craft County Emily Proctor, Tribal Extension Educator, Emmet County Lisa Bottomley, Mentoring Specialist

Tri-State Efforts Family Similar issues Met in Washington DC Quarterly calls Information sharing Grants

Our Youth Suicide Substance Abuse Obesity Diabetes Decline of culture/language High drop-out rates High delinquency rates Teen Pregnancy

Challenges Inconsistent funding for programs Organizing the program Change in University structure i.e. MSUE and Schoolcraft Distrust Socio-economic status Skepticism Adult male mentors 14-17year old male mentees

We don’t call it mentorship Passing on of traditions Intergenerational relationship have always been encouraged Historical perspective Mentoring is not ‘New” A new method to include more people Tradition and Mentorship

Recruitment Targeted audience Multi-disciplinary team Benefits for the Mentor Cultural events and functions Building on resources “Just ask us”! Utilize staff from Tribal Governments Former mentors Tribal community centers

Support from the local community Support from Tribal Nations Support from additional agencies Tribal colleges Volunteers Tribal Government 4-H Programs Lack of funding and/or Lack of consistent funding Resources

Our Hopes Healthier youth Passing on of traditions Make healthier choices Realize their potential Graduate high school Have a positive adult to turn to Positive connection to self, peers and their Anishinaabek communities Identify their talents Refrain from substance use SELF WORTH

Best Practices Know the history of the Tribal community Community input Community by-in Government to government Relationship building Consistency in funding Develop and sustain collaborations and partnerships One-on-one conversations Reliability Non-judgmental Preferably Native mentors

Miigwetch We appreciate your time. Please contact us with any questions you may have!! -Deb Gierke, 4-H Tribal Mentorship Site Coordinator, -Emily Proctor, Tribal Extension Educator -Susan Beaulieu, Extension Educator, Volunteer and Partnership Development -Dawn Newman, American Indian and Tribal Partnerships Liaison -Brian Gauthier Community Resource Development Educator

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