Come Learn about Ojibwe Language Project in Bemidji: Can it be applied here?

The League of Women Voters Park Rapids Area in partnership with the Park Rapids Area Library is organizing a series of events honoring Native American Heritage Month (November) at both Northwoods bank and the Public Library.  

The first event will be Tuesday November 7th. We have invited Michael Meuers for a presentation on the Bemidji Ojibwe Language Project. 

We will host the event at Northwoods Bank. Cream of Wild Rice Soup and fry bread will be served during the social time from 5 - 5:30, with the program beginning at 5:30. Mr. Meuers will speak about the bilingual signage program initiated in Bemidji.  A question and answer time will follow the presentation.

Meuers has worked in public relations with the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians for nearly a quarter century.  During this time he spearheaded the Ojibwe Language project in Bemidji, MN, which was recently recognized (Fall 2016) by National Geographic for: “… support in sustaining and enhancing the unique geographic character of the region…”

Meuers authored a book in December 2016 entitled ROAD TO PONEMAH: The Teachings of Larry Stillday. Stillday was a well-known spiritual leader, healer and teacher from Red Lake Nation who touched many Ojibwe people in northern Minnesota. His words and teachings not only impacted the Native population, but people from all walks of life. He inspired thousands with his teachings about living in harmony, not only with each other, but also with nature. He passed on in May 2014, but his message survives.  Meuers was honored with a spirit name, (Biidaanakwad Izhinikaazo- Gathering Cloud), by Stillday.

Look for more information on upcoming events during November including an Anishinaabe Heritage Festival Saturday, November 18, and an interactive art class in which youth from Pine Point School will teach participants how to make Dream-catchers on Thursday Nov. 30th.  

If you have any questions about LWVPRA activities, events or on how to join LWVPRA (not for women only), email  lwvparkrapids@lwvmn.org. Follow our activities, events on our website: http://lwvparkrapidsarea.blogspot.com/

For more information on the Objiwe Language Project in Bemidji:  Click Here

“It’s not about Indians, it’s about People... The overall philosophy is to reconnect all people to nature and inevitably to themselves.” ~Larry Stillday