NMU Hosts UNITED Conference
March 18 @ 7:30 am – 7:30 pm
Northern Michigan University’s 18th annual UNITED Conference will be held Monday and Tuesday, March 17-18, in the Northern Center. It revolves around the theme “Voices of the Earth: Learning, Leading and Advancing Equity Together.” Keynote speakers/presentations are: Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, author of this year’s NMU Diversity Common Reader Program selection, “As We Have Always Done”; RJ Smith of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, who will address the traditional Anishinaabe game Bagodowe, or lacrosse; and an Anishinaabe theatrical performance.
The conference will also feature breakout sessions on a variety of topics—including some led by students; an optional paid dinner/dance; a Poetry Without Borders event; and the NMU WellBeing Health Fair.
The schedule follows. All events are free unless otherwise noted, and those that include a meal (indicated with an asterisk *) require advance registration by March 13 at https://nmu.edu/united/.
Monday, March 17:
8:50-10 a.m. General session presentation by RJ Smith on the traditional Anishinaabe game Bagodowe, or lacrosse
11:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m.* Decolonizing Diet luncheon featuring pecan-crusted whitefish, cranberry wild rice, bison and ground beef meatloaf, and maple glazed sweet potato while Leanne Betasamosake Simpson discusses her book, “As We Have Always Done.”
2:15-4:30 p.m. UNITED breakout sessions
4:45-7:15 p.m. Bagodowe Exhibition Game at the NMU Superior Dome, with RJ Smith presenting to the Wildcat women’s lacrosse team, along with the men’s and women’s club lacrosse teams
5:30-7:30 p.m.* Optional dinner and “Rhythm of Unity” dance, featuring Southern-style Soul Food of fried chicken, brisket, collard greens and baked macaroni and cheese, followed by dance music from DJ Greg Sandell. $35 per person.
Tuesday, March 18:
7:30-8:45 a.m.* Professional Networking breakfast mixer with Southern-style favorites grits, bacon, and biscuits with sausage gravy.
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. NMU WellBeing Health Fair
10:15-11:15 a.m. UNITED breakout sessions
11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.* Lunch with an Anishinaabe theatrical performance presented by Shannon Epplett (Sault Ste. Marie) and Sam Aros-Mitchell (Yaquil)
1-5:30 UNITED Conference Breakout Sessions
5:30-6:45 p.m. Poetry Without Borders