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KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Long before it housed lecture halls and textbooks, the land where Western Michigan University now stands was home to the Ojibwe, Odawa and Bodewadmi people, whose legacy still influences the University's identity today. A deep reverence for this ancestral heritage has led the University on a journey of cultural celebration and respect. 

As part of this journey, in 2019 Western adopted a land acknowledgement statement, prompting individuals to consider the history of our space and the people who have and continue to inhabit it. The establishment of the 51������ Native American Affairs Council (NAAC) in 2021 strengthened the University’s engagement with the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians, Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi and Pokagon Band of Potawatomi. The NAAC champions four core charges: building collaborative relationships; empowering students; developing programming; and acknowledging the land and sense of space Western inhabits. 

Another milestone was reached in March 2023 with the approval of a groundbreaking new program—the region's only graduate certificate in tribal governance, offered by the School of Public Affairs and Administration.

Paving the path to new collaborations

The path that eventually led to the creation and launch of the Tribal Governance Graduate Certificate program began years earlier. Sam Morseau, the Secretary of the Pokagon Band of the Potawatomi Council and a tribal governance instructor 51������, has been a key participant in the burgeoning relationship and conversations between the University and tribes since at least 2016.

“We met with the athletic director looking for partnership opportunities. It began with a sponsorship, but then the tribes came back and said that we were looking for professional development and accreditation. He put us in contact with the provost, and the rest is history,” says Morseau.

Working toward a shared and culturally-informed vision, 51������ academic leaders and tribal leaders participated in frequent meetings to explore opportunities for collaboration. Initial discussions identified several potential areas for enhanced engagement and collaboration, including bolstering support services and community for indigenous students, launching an advisory council to foster continued partnership, and developing an academic program focused on tribal leadership and governance. 

Morseau describs the partnership as a "co-governance model" that offers a wealth of opportunities, though he emphasizes the need for ongoing communication. Dr. Dee Sherwood, director of the Native American Affairs Council, agrees, noting that "Oftentimes, universities do not consult with tribes in their region when developing relevant courses and curricula. This is a missed opportunity. Tribal consultation is essential." 

“When we started collaborating with the tribes, we were genuinely curious about how 51������ could best support them,” says School of Public Affairs and Administration Director Dr. Matthew Mingus. “The program is tailored for tribal member needs and the needs of their community in mind, providing an opportunity for advanced college credit and professional development. The hope is also that non-tribal members will attend each class to promote valuable cultural interaction.” 

Through authentic engagement and continuing discussion between faculty, academic leaders and tribal leaders, the tribal governance graduate certificate began to take shape. In fall 2023, the 12-credit curriculum was formally launched. Delivered primarily online, the program delves into the legal and cultural tapestry of tribal peoples and their intricate relationships with local, state and federal governments. More than theory, it provides hands-on experience in navigating the multifaceted challenges faced by tribal governments, including economic, managerial and societal dimensions. 

Forging strong ties through education

The tribal governance graduate certificate is largely designed for current tribal members and individuals who work with them. Students gain a deeper knowledge of tribal sovereignty and functioning, with particular emphasis on the importance of education for those serving in administrative and tribal council roles. 

“Being a treaty tribe means that at some point, the U.S. government literally acknowledged and negotiated treaties with the tribe, indicating that they have their own governmental sovereignty,” says Mingus. “They’re constantly involved in intergovernmental negotiations with the local, state and national governments. This graduate certificate is one way to support the tribes and is likely to expand as interest has come in from across the nation.” 

“Implementing a certificate program in collaboration with three tribal nations allows the opportunity to provide tribally endorsed resources to increase capacity building within our communities,” says Morseau. “Students can engage with various Tribal entities through subject matter experts and content endorsed by each Tribal Nation.” 

The certificate requires courses including Foundations of Federal Indian Policies (PADM 6301) and Tribal Sovereignty Through Self Determination (PADM 6302), as well as elective courses focused on economic diversification and public management. Several courses will include a full Saturday session hosted by one of the local tribes to provide a meaningful, hands-on learning experience for those who are able to attend. 

“We are currently planning cohorts which will include government, gaming and economic development corporations within each tribal nation,” says Morseau. “This will promote a collaborative approach and environment to explore best practices in policies through the creation of service-learning projects.” 

The certificate program is open to anyone interested in learning more about tribal governance. Although a specific undergraduate experience is not required, applicants must have completed a baccalaureate degree. The certificate can be earned on its own, or as a part of the Master of Public Administration degree program, allowing students to have the flexibility to choose their own path and “stack” credentials. 

“I’d love to see it continue to expand,” says Morseau. “I think over the last couple of years, the organizing efforts between the three tribes and Western has greatly improved. Getting the information or communication out beforehand and working in conjunction together, what I see in the future is really the expansion of the program.” 

“It has been an honor to see this dream come to fruition,” says Morseau.

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