Native American Institute

Native American Institute The Native American Institute was established as a component of the Center of Urban Department in the Urban Affairs Program.

The Native American Institute at Michigan State University

History

The Native American Institute (NAI) was authorized by the Michigan State University Board of Trustees in October 1981. Through the work and vision of its founding director, George Cornell, the Institute was established to help North American Indian organizations and tribal governments plan and prepare to meet the present and futu

re needs of their constituents. The Institute has collaborated with tribes and American Indians on behalf of Michigan State University for close to three decades. Through this time period, Michigan tribes achieved significant advances in their community and economic development. The Native American Institute has attempts to provide assistance and add value to these community development efforts wherever possible. In 2003, the Native American Institute became a unit in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) and strengthened its partnership with MSU Extension and its commitment to working on natural resource and agricultural topics such as ecosystem management, environmental protection, sustainable community and economic development, traditional/ cultural preservation and tribal food systems. In 2021 the NAI changed administrative homes again to become part of the Office of University Outreach and Engagement. Throughout its history, the Institute has continued to prioritize working on critical topics tied to the wellness of American Indian families. See our list of current projects for further details. Mission

The mission of the Native American Institute is to work with tribes, American Indian organizations and various Michigan State University units to enhance the sovereignty, cultural continuity and wellbeing of tribes, Indian communities and Indian people. Vision

The Native American Institute strives to build close and responsive relationships with tribal and urban Indian communities and the various resources (people, programs, organizations and the knowledge therein) across Michigan State University to provide the best services possible to tribes, Indian organizations, Indian people, policy makers and the general public. In that spirit NAI will:

•Provide training, technical assistance, research, and educational assistance to Native American Tribes and organizations in Michigan.

•Serve Michigan officials and lawmakers by offering periodic information on policy alternatives regarding Indian issues.

•Promote and enhance the public’s knowledge and awareness of Michigan Indian communities, initiatives, history, and culture. Further, the NAI takes a community-driven and participatory approach to our work that often includes:

•Tribal and community determined program priorities

•Tribal and community oversight of projects

•Co-development of curricular and other resources with tribal and community partners

•Tribal and community control over co-authored grants

•Reliance on tribal expertise and employment of tribal citizens

We use this approach to develop partnerships and programming teams that can collaboratively address critical issues identified by Indian communities. Some of our best work occurs when we serve as nexus connecting tribes/tribal organizations with MSU faculty and MSU students. In such instances, there is great potential for collaborative learning and problem solving.

MiCCA’s 3rd Annual Climate & Health Event: Food as Medicine for People and the PlanetRegistration is OPEN - Register TOD...
09/08/2026

MiCCA’s 3rd Annual Climate & Health Event: Food as Medicine for People and the Planet

Registration is OPEN - Register TODAY before spots fill up!

Food as Medicine for People and the Planet

Join the Michigan Clinicians for Climate Action (MiCCA) in East Lansing on Saturday, Oct. 24, as we explore the connections between climate change, agriculture, food, and health.

Food as Medicine is a healthcare framework that integrates nutritious, high-quality food into clinical care, recognizing its role in preventing, managing, and treating disease.

But what and how we eat – and by extension, how we grow our food – affects more than just our individual health. Our food systems have broad implications on our climate and dictate who is nourished and which communities are underserved.
Designed for health professionals and open to all, this CME-eligible event will feature a diverse range of speakers, including health professionals, registered dieticians, food system researchers, and community organizers, who can speak to:

What clinicians should know about Food As Medicine
How sustainable food systems relate to climate and public health
How regenerative agriculture can result in more nutritious foods
How to improve food access and address environmental injustice
The role of healthcare institutions and providers in supporting sustainable, equitable food systems
All are welcome, including practicing or retired clinicians, students, researchers, and community members! Full speaker line-up and agenda will be announced soon.

Registered MiCCA professional and student members will have received a discount code for a lower ticket price. Sign up to become a member here with self-selected dues.

Interested in sponsoring and/or hosting a table at our event? More information here.

Spots are limited so RSVP while you still can! If ticket prices are cost-prohibitive or for questions related to MiCCA membership and member discounts, please contact [email protected].

Student Poster Session

Open to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, as well as medical residents and fellows, the poster session provides students and early-career professionals with the opportunity to:

Showcase research, quality improvement projects, or community initiatives related to food systems, agriculture, food access or climate and public health, environmental health, healthcare sustainability, or environmental justice
Share ideas with clinicians, policymakers, and community leaders
Receive feedback and foster collaboration
Students who submit a poster are eligible for a discounted cost of admission. Submit your poster and learn more about the exhibit here.

A big thank you to our sponsors!

Green Advocate

Fivenson Dermatology
Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities
Eco Ally

Michigan Climate Action Network
Moms Clean Air Force

Food as Medicine for People and the Planet

Upcoming Events
09/02/2026

Upcoming Events

08/27/2026

🎓 JOIN THE FACULTY AT MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF LAW (Share Across Indian Country)
📍 East Lansing, Michigan
📅 Start Date: August 15, 2027
Michigan State University College of Law is seeking exceptional scholars, educators, and practitioners for multiple full-time, tenure-track faculty positions.
Areas of Interest Include:
✅ Law & Technology
✅ Indian Law
✅ Animal Law
✅ Administrative & Regulatory Law
✅ Bankruptcy Law
✅ Business Law (Corporate Governance)
✅ Constitutional Law
✅ Contracts
✅ Criminal Procedure
✅ Evidence
✅ Family Law
✅ International Law
Special Opportunities:
⭐ Lead the Transactional/Entrepreneurship Clinic
⭐ Alan S. Zekelman Professor of International Human Rights Law
⭐ The Schaefer Chair in Family Law (Distinguished Tenured Faculty)
We Seek Candidates Who Demonstrate:
✔ Excellence in Teaching
✔ Strong Scholarly Achievement
✔ Commitment to Academic Innovation
✔ Dedication to Student Success
About MSU
Founded in 1855, Michigan State University is one of the nation's premier land-grant universities, committed to education, research, and public impact.
Learn more: MSU College of Law
Apply Today
Faculty Appointments Committee Co-Chairs
📧 Professor Barbara O'Brien
[email protected]
📧 Professor Stephen Wilks
[email protected]
Shape the Future of Legal Education at MSU
Michigan State University College of Law
Advancing Scholarship. Inspiring Leaders. Creating Impact.

08/26/2026
08/22/2026
08/19/2026

🪶 **Dance by the River Powwow is getting closer!**

We’re preparing to welcome everyone back to Lansing’s Riverfront Park **September 26–27** for our 3rd Annual Dance by the River Powwow and there are still a few ways to be part of the weekend!

🛍️ **CRAFT VENDORS**
Vendor spaces are filling quickly! If you have been planning to join us but have not yet submitted your registration form, now is the time to get it in. **Remaining craft vendor space is limited.**

ℹ️ **INFORMATIONAL BOOTHS**
Organizations interested in joining us with an informational booth are encouraged to submit their request soon as we finalize the powwow grounds layout.

🙌 **VOLUNTEERS**
It takes a community to make a powwow happen! If you’d like to lend a hand during powwow weekend, we’d love to have you. Let us know your availability when you sign up.

Vendor registration, volunteer sign-up, and additional powwow information can be found here:

🔗 https://anishinaabefriendshipcenter.org/powwow

**September 26–27, 2026**
📍 Lansing Riverfront Park

Miigwetch to everyone helping us bring another beautiful weekend of community, culture, and connection to Lansing. ❤️💛🤍🖤

Address

East Lansing, MI
48824

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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