American Indian CenterQuarterlyInside this issue:

Pg. 1Welcome from the DirectorPg. 2New AIC EmployeesPg. 3 & 4EventsPg. 5Speaker SeriesPg. 6NIEAPg. 7Power In DiversityGraduatesPg. 8 & 9Scholarships & RecipientsOjibwe ArtPg. 10Academic CalendarPg. 11Support ServicesPg. 12Service TripPg. 13Synergistic Activities & Volunteers

Welcome from the Director From the AIC Director’s Desk….We began the 2016 fall semester participating in the “First Four” days of the new school year with our AIC Open House and our table at the annual Mainstreet! event. We were able to meet many of the new 61 entering and/or transfer American Indian students and provide them with information, resources and a t-shirt. Combining these new students with our returning students brought our American Indian student headcount to 245. The American Indian Center (AIC) hosted its annual House Blessing in September and the Red Tree Drum (Morton) sang several honor and travelling songs. One of our American Indian faculty members, Darlene St. Clair (Dakota) provided the blessing and welcomed many new faces. The AIC director gave a short history of the AIC and the programs and services that would be offered throughout the year. Over fifty people gathered at the House Blessing to help celebrate the start of another school year and to show support for the Standing Rock reservation. Our new interim President and the AIC director attended the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council (MIAC) meeting on the Lower Sioux reservation. President Vaidya extended a warm invitation to host the 11 tribal chairs for their spring MIAC meeting. They accepted and will be visiting our campus on April 7th! Once again, the fall semester was filled with many events and activities that included; a trade show booth at the National Indian Education Association convention (NIEA) in Reno, Nevada. Through a SCSU Cultural Diversity grant we were able to have our AIC Graduate Assistant Emily Olson participate in this important Indian Education conference as well as help with the trade show booth. In September, the AIC worked with the SCSU Students for Change and the All Tribes Council student organizations to help raise funds and donations for the “No Dakota Pipeline Access” movement and to provide support for the Standing Rock reservation. We con-tinued our AIC pumpkin carving contest tradition and had several artistic entries to consider for a first place winner. We welcomed over 60 people to hear native linguist James Vukelich (Ojibwe) who did a wonderful presentation on the Ojibwe language and how it is connected to the cultural values of the Ojibwe people. Other American Indian speakers this fall were Emily Olson, Sharon Day and Terrence Yellow Fat. This year at the annual Minnesota Indian Edu-cation Association Conference, the AIC director did a joint presentation with the new Indian Education director in the local St. Cloud school district on establishing an Indian Education program. Upcoming AIC winter/spring programs and services include many opportunities to get in-volved with the Center and campus. Every year at the end of January, the AIC collaborates with the MSS office on the Power-in-Diversity conference. Come join us for the American Indian Speaker Series on February 16, 2017. Travel with us to the Northern Cheyenne Reservation in Lame Deer, Montana over spring break in March. Volunteer to help with the American Indian Awareness Week and our 24th Annual Powwow on April 8, 2017.Visit our AIC website: (http://www.stcloudstate.edu/aic/ ) for current information and updates regarding upcoming events, programs, services and scholarship opportunities. Also like us on Facebook to see what we are up to. The AIC is open daily from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. We will continue to concentrate on our main mission: “to respond to the self-defined educational needs and goals of American Indian students and communities alike.” The AIC staff encourages all administrators, faculty, staff and students to increase their knowledge about American Indian sovereignty, and to continue their involvement with the AIC so we can build our future together. Have a safe & Happy Holiday season!

Sincerely, Jim Knutson-Kolodzne, Director

Fall/Winter 2016

The American Indian Center staff wish you a

safe and happy holiday!

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New AIC EmployeesThe AIC welcomed three new employees and a volunteer to its team this fall! Stop by and say hello to student

employees Janice Loh, Shadé Ibikounle, Yeng Thao, and Zoey Ren!

The AIC is very fortunate to have such a unified team with great team players! Janice, Shadé, Yeng, and Zoey have shown enthusiasm and commitment to the AIC and its mission at St. Cloud State University. Those here

at the AIC are grateful for the work and contributions made by all. Thank you for all of your hard work!

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Janice Loh began working at the AIC in August, 2016. She is a sophomore at St. Cloud State University. Janice is an international student from Malaysia, majoring in Mass Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations and minoring in Sociology. She enjoys swimming, playing badminton, photogra-phy and crafting.

Yeng Thao joined the AIC in October, 2016. He is from Minneapolis, MN. This is his first year at St. Cloud State University. Yeng is currently an un-decided major, although is considering majoring in Graphic Design. Yeng’s hobbies are fishing, tennis, and volleyball. When not at the AIC, he loves to go outside and enjoy nature. Yeng also enjoys playing guitar in his free time.

Janice Loh

Yeng Thao

Shadé Ibikounle

Shadé Ibikounle joined the AIC in November, 2016. Shadé is originally from Cotonou, Republic of Benin. She is a second year student at St. Cloud State University, currently pursuing a degree in International Relations. When not working at the AIC, she is often participating in different on campus events and clubs.

Zoey Ren

Zoey Ren began volunteering at the AIC in November, 2016. Her Chinese name is Zixin Ren. She is currently a junior at St.Cloud University. Zoey is a international student from Binhai University in China. She began attending St. Cloud University in August, 2016. She enjoys playing various sports and making new friends on campus.

American Indian Center EventsFall/Winter 2016

MainStreet! The AIC hosted a booth during Mainstreet! on August 31, 2016. Director Jim Knutson-Kolodzne and AIC Student Employee Carlee were there to provide information for new incoming and transfer students about the AIC and its support services. Mainstreet! provides an opportunity to connect with more than 200 student organizations, dozens of academic and student support departments, and St. Cloud community partners repre-senting more than 30 nonprofit organizations, promoting local service and volunteer opportunities. Students and the campus community can explore ways to get involved through student organizations and learn about campus services available to them as well as volunteer and service-learning opportunities in the community.

House Blessing The House Blessing was held on September 8, 2016 at the AIC fire ring. Red Tree Drum Group opened with an honor song and closed with a prayer song. Everyone who attended smudged, and AIC Director Jim Knutson-Kolodzne smudged the AIC. This event was a great way to start the semester and get familiar with AIC staff and student employees. Guests were provided tours of the AIC and also shared food, refreshments, and stories.

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Pumpkin Carving Contest The AIC wrapped up another entertaining Pumpkin Carving Contest on Thursday, October 27, 2016. There were wonderful carvings including our two winnners. Congratulations Mary and Emily! We can’t wait to see what people come up with next year!

Fall Harvest Feast The annual Fall Harvest Feast took place on November 10, 2016. It was a great opportunity to come together and share a turkey dinner with traditional harvest foods such as corn and wild rice. The AIC was filled with many new and returning faces. Thank you to everyone who joined us and we look forward to seeing you again next year!

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L to R: X. Asphodel, J. Knutson Kolodzne, E. Olson, M. Davis, R. Martin

American Indian Speaker Series

On Thursday, September 22, 2016, Emily Olson spoke at the American Indian Center about her time working with the De-

partment of Natural Resources - Fisheries Division and her trip to the Annual Conference for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Emily is the current AIC GA and a Master’s student at St. Cloud State University where she is persuing an M.S. in Ecology and Nat-ural Resources. Emily’s talk brought attention to the ongoing con-troversy of Walleye resources in Lake Mille Lacs in Northern Min-nesota. Emily also spoke about ongoing conservation efforts being utilized in zoos and aquariums specifically pertaining to white rhi-noceros, killer whales, and giraffes. Post graduation, Emily hopes to continue her work within the zoo community or the Department

James Vukelich spoke in Atwood Memorial Center on Thurs-day, October 25, 2016. James’ presentation topic was “The

Seven Generations and the Seven Grandfathers”. James Kaage-gaabaw Vukelich has been recognized as a leading voice in Na-tive Language revitalization efforts and spiritual teachings for over a decade. His keen insights on the interconnectedness of lan-guage and culture were developed in the field speaking with and recording elders and native speakers of the language in Canada, Michigan and Minnesota as part of the Ojibwe Language Dictio-nary Project. James has consulted with multiple school districts to develop and teach language and cultural programs at all levels from pre-K through college. He has also facilitated multiple lan-guage roundtable groups and conducted spiritual ceremonies in communities throughout the Twin Cities and across the U.S.

Emily Olson

James Vukelich

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NIEA 2016 The National Indian Education Association annual convention was held in Reno, NV October 5-8, 2016. There were over 400 Natives in attendance from tribal communities across the United States and Canada. The AIC hosted an informational booth where we highlighted services and summer programs: the Native Studies Summer Workshop for Educators (NSSWE) and the Native SkyWatchers (NSW) program. AIC Director, Jim Knutson-Kolodzne, GA, Emily Olson set up and provided information at our SCSU trade show booth. We made many connections with professionals and students from various higher education institutions. They were joined by Associate Director Beth Knutson-Kolodzne from the SCSU Department of Campus Involvement during the trade show. Beth explained the annual service trip that Campus Involvement co-sponsors with the AIC to the Northern Cheyenne Indian reservation in Lame Deer, Montana.

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Jan. 26 - 28, 2017St. Cloud State University’s 8th Annual

Leadership development and personal growth opportunities! The 8th annual Power in Diversity Leadership Conference will offer opportunities for personal growth and leadership development to college students of color and underrepresented students through a variety of workshops, keynote addresses and programs. It will also provide a forum for student leaders to connect with other colleges and universities across the region. Advisors, faculty and staff who work with student leaders will also have a chance to network and share ideas and strategies. Conference attendees will learn from leadership activities that will assist in the development and en-hancement of one’s own skills to successfully navigate through college and into the workforce and to be a support for other students as well. This year’s conference theme, Intersectionality In Action, will provide a framework for conversations that explore power, privilege, discrimination, and systems of oppression as they relate to the numerous identities an individual or group may claim or relate to.

For more information contact:pidc@stcloudstate.edu or 320-308-7432

Congratulations Graduates!!Congratulations to the following Fall 2016 American Indian Graduates!

We wish you the best of luck and great success with your future endeavors!

UndergraduatesAlexis Blake

Devon BowkerNico Curtis

Katie DionnePeyton Distler

Alyssa EschrichKari Fleury

UndergraduatesMalibu HendelCollette LochCasey Majhor

Stephanie MucciacciaroValerie Ponce Diaz

Rachel SargentLyanne Valdez

GraduatesAlexandra Fairchild

Justin GaarderNe’Angela Scott

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ScholarshipsThe American Indian Center gives out three scholarships annually to qualifying individuals. All St. Cloud State

University Scholarships are available in an online application format only.

Please visit http://www.stcloudstate.edu/huskiesscholarships/ to apply to internal (SCSU) and external (commu-nity) scholarships available.

Deadline for applications vary depending on the scholarship and/or department sponsors.

AMERICAN INDIAN EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP

This is an active, annual scholarship. Selection criteria for applicants: Must be an enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe and an entering student at St. Cloud State University; may be a new entering student at any class year level; must be intended to major in teacher education; may intend to teach at any level- pre kindergarten through high school. Preference will be given to those who plan to teach in schools with high populations of American Indian children.

HENRY M. & J. ELEANOR MEYER/JOSEPH M. & THERESA L. HELTEMES MEMORIALSCHOLARSHIP

This is an endowed scholarship founded by a first generation college graduate. Preference for this scholarship isgiven to persons with financial need, who are of American Indian ancestry and who are involved with campusorganizations.

THE JOYCE AND MARVIN HOLMGREN SCHOLARSHIP FOR NATIVE AMERICANS

This is an endowed scholarship. Selection criteria require that the student: verify enrollment in a tribe or is at least one quarter Native American and is from either the U.S. or Canada (there are no other tribal restrictions); must be eligible for unconditional admittance to St. Cloud State University; must maintain scholastic average of “C” or better; must carry at least 12 credits per term. It is the donors preference that the award be given to a first year student and that the award follow that student as long as s/he is enrolled in good standing at St. Cloud State University and is in accordance with the criteria defined in the scholarship.

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2016-2017 Scholarship RecipientsName

Emily Olson

Anna Brunelle

Scholarship

Joyce and Marvin Holmgren Scholarship for Native Americans

Joyce and Marvin Holmgren Scholarship for Native Americans

Amount

$1000

$500

Original Ojibwe Artwork for Sale!by William Wilson

William Wilson is an Ojibwe from Ontario, Canada near Lake Nipigon. Much of his art-work is inspired by dreams and visions. All of the brightly colored paintings are done in Ojib-we x-ray style. We are seeing the picture as the spirits see us. Artwork is for sale at the Ameri-can Indian Center. For more information email aic@stcloudstate.edu

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SCSU Academic CalendarSpring 2017

JanuaryDay and Evening Classes Begin

Monday, January 9, 2017

Martin Luther King, Jr. HolidayNo Classes; Offices ClosedMonday, January 16, 2017

8th Annual Power in Diversity ConferenceJanuary 26-38, 2017

SCSU Atwood Memorial Center

FebruaryAmerican Indian Speaker Series

February 16, 2017, 5:00-6:00 PMAmerican Indian Center

Presidents DayNo Classes; Offices ClosedMonday, February 20, 2017

MarchLame Deer Spring Break Service Trip

March 4-11, 2017Northern Cheyenne Reservation

Lame Deer, Montana

Spring BreakMarch 6-10, 2017

AprilFaculty Duty Day; No Classes

Friday, April 7, 2017

American Indian Awareness WeekApril 3-7, 2017

April cont’d24th Annual American Indian Center PowwowApril 8, 2017; Grand Entries 1:00 and 7:00 PM

SCSU Halenbeck Hall

MSS/AIC Awards ReceptionApril 19, 2017, 5:00 PM

Atwood Memorial Center Ballroom

Last Day of ClassesFriday, April 28, 2017

MayFinals Week

May 1-4, 2017

AIC Graduate RecognitionMay 4, 2017, 8:00-4:00 PM

American Indian Center

CommencementsMay 5, 2017

Herb Brooks National Hockey Center

Visit our website at http://www.stcloudstate.edu/aic for resources, news, updates, and information about current events!

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Support ServicesThe American Indian Center offers a number of support services to American Indian students on the St. Cloud Uni-versity campus. All Indian students are encouraged to utilize these services.

Discussion and assistance in:

Admission process Financial AidPersonal concerns Academic concernsTutoring AdvisingHousing Career development

Referrals to appropriate SCSU agencies when necessary.

Native Leadership Retreat for all students helping them to become comfortable in their new campus and communities.

Services to Indian student organizations to enable students to become involved in student activites and meetother Indian students.

Social activities are offered throughout the academic year to help students make connections.

Speaker Series events bring American Indian presenters to the SCSU campus. The presenter speaks on a variety of Indian topics.

Student Retention Luncheons are once per month at noon. These gatherings are a great oppurtunity to share your story, hear others, and enjoy good food.

Computer lab is available for students to access e-mail and complete coursework.

A quiet place to read a book, write a paper, or study is avail-able.

Are you Native but haven’t stopped by the AIC?

Do you want to learn more about what the AIC has to offer you?

*NEW STUDENTS*

If you are a student who has never visited the AIC, stop by and meet the Director, Jim

Knutson-Kolodzne, to get a tour and learn about our services!

All Tribes CouncilAnother oppurtunity for students to get

involved is joining All Tribes Council. ATC is a student organization which supports the

social and academic needs of American Indian Students at St. Cloud State University.

For more information contactSamuel Trivette (President) at

trsa1201@stcloudstate.edu

ATC Office located at Atwood Memorial Center 117

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MONTANASpring Break Service Trip

Lame Deer, Montana

Work with American Indian children through the Boys and Girls Club of the Northern Cheyenne nation.

Cost includes transportation, meals on site and housing.

Apply online at: Department of Campus Involvement, Volunteer and Service Learning

Application Deadline: February 1, 2017 Fee Deadline: February 17, 2017

Contact: Civic Engagement Email: cega@stcloudstate.edu Phone: (320) 308-2205

St.Cloud State University is committed to legalaffirmative action, equal opportunity, access and

diversity of its campus community.(http://scsu.mn/1us7k5D)

A week that serves a lifetime.

Synergistic ActivitiesStanding Rock, ND

On Thursday, October 21, 2016, Graduate Assistant Emily Olson and Student Employee Carlee Staples traveled from St. Cloud, MN to Cannon Ball, ND to deliver donations to the Standing Rock Sioux reser-vation. Emily and Carlee were warmly greeted by all and spent the day distibuting warm clothing, food, medical supplies, and school materials. They also brought a sign made by students at St. Cloud Sate University to show solidarity with the tribe and their efforts. Emily and Carlee spoke to many individuals from around the country who were there to peacefully stand against the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Below is a reflection from Carlee on the experience:

“Getting the opportunity to raise donations and deliver them to Sacred Stone Camp was an unforgettable experience. My passion for this issue made our trip even more enlightening, especially after learning about the Dakota Access Pipeline through social media resources. When delivering the donations we worked hard so to raise, it was very fulfilling, because I was giving back to my culture and getting closer to my heritage. My per-sonal experience will drive me to continue speaking out about the Standing Rock protests and to inform others about the many reasons this pipeline will have a negative impact on all communities.”

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Emily Olson and Carlee Staples

American Indian CenterSt. Cloud State University720 Fourth Avenue SouthSt. Cloud, MN 56301-4498

SCSU American Indian Center 720 Fourth Avenue South St. Cloud, MN 56301-4498Phone: (320) 308-5449 Fax: (320) 308-5451

E-mail: aic@stcloudstate.edu Website: www.stcloudstate.edu/aic

TTY: 1-800-627-3529 SCSU is an affirmative action/equal opportunity educator and employer. This publication will be made available in large print or audio tape upon request.

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