North Central Michigan College (NCMC) invites students, educators, and community members to celebrate the completion of its Indigenous Studies Collection Project during an open house on Thursday, October 23, from 5–8 p.m. in the NCMC Library.

“For many months, we’ve partnered with Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and community collaborators to reimagine this important collection,” said NCMC Librarian Kendra Lake. “This project represents our commitment to honoring Indigenous voices, knowledge systems, and perspectives within our academic environment.”

The reimagined collection replaces traditional Western classification models with a culturally responsive system rooted in Indigenous ways of knowing. Rather than using the Dewey Decimal Classification system, the library now organizes materials according to the seven-clan system inspired by Maawn Doobiigeng (Gather Together), a framework developed and shared by the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Libraries.

Highlights of the project include:

  • A comprehensive review and enhancement of the Indigenous collection to ensure cultural accuracy and relevance;
  • The implementation of the Maawn Doobiigeng classification system, incorporating subject headings based on Indigenous cultural teachings;
  • An expanded collection featuring more works by Indigenous authors and scholars; and
  • Commissioned artwork from Indigenous artists to further indigenize the space and reflect traditional and contemporary expressions of culture.

Featured artists include:

  • Sara Archer – Regalia and Cradleboard
  • Becca Lynn (QueerKwe Designs) – Beadwork
  • Jeremy Steele (Zintkala Zi Designs) – Graphic Design

This initiative reflects North Central’s ongoing commitment to fostering belonging by uplifting and honoring Indigenous heritage, knowledge, and voices.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians Education Department, especially Kerstine Omey and Jeremy Steele, as well as to Janaan Cornstalk and Yvonne Walker-Keshick for their generous sharing of knowledge and cultural insight,” Lake said. “Thank you also to Sara Archer, Becca Lynn, and Jeremy Steele for their artistic contributions, and to Anne Heidemann and the team at the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Library for their guidance and support throughout this process.”

The updated Indigenous Studies Collection is now available to students and the public in the NCMC Library. Visitors are encouraged to explore the space and engage with the works that celebrate Indigenous history, culture, and perspectives.