American Indian Learning Resource Center UMD

08/21/2026

Through the AILRC, for our students, we offer this supportive environment scheduled for each month!

08/13/2026

Enroll this fall for Federal Law and the American Indian (AMIN 2001), a course exploring the unique legal and political relationship between Tribal Nations and the United States.

You’ll examine topics including:
• Tribal law and customs
• Treaty rights and sovereignty
• Federal Indian law and U.S. Supreme Court decisions
• The relationship between tribal, state, and federal governments
• Contemporary legal issues impacting Tribal communities today

This course is taught by Tadd (Waabanakwad) Johnson, an enrolled member of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa and one of the nation’s leading authorities on federal Indian law. Johnson has practiced Indian law for more than 40 years, served as a tribal attorney, judge, and administrator, chaired the National Indian Gaming Commission, served as counsel to the U.S. House Subcommittee on Native American Affairs, and is Professor Emeritus at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Through his Tribal-State Relations Training program, he has helped educate more than 10,000 state employees on federal Indian law and policy.

Whether you work with Tribal governments, are pursuing a career in law or public service, or simply want to deepen your understanding of Tribal sovereignty and Federal policy, this course offers an exceptional opportunity to learn from one of the field’s most respected educators.

Register today: www.fdltcc.edu

08/12/2026

Lyz, UMD Alum, presenting in Cloquet Mn, Wednesday, September 16th, 2026

08/12/2026

The other day while at the lake for movies in the park, me and the kids stopped by the lake and saw Shuja, a recent grad at UMD along with Isra current Bulldog student.
I got to wish him best of luck and success as Shuja continues his education in Oklahoma as a Sooner to work on his PhD!
We got to know Shuja over the past two years, and it shows the importance of good connections made on the UMD campus, because positive outcomes can be celebrated through the work of our students here!
Thank you to faculty Mark Z for always providing opportunities to meet and celebrate our UMD students!
Miigwech, thank you all for your support of the AILRC and thank you to Shuja and Isra! Keep doing big things!!

08/07/2026

Sweetland Farms owned by Counselor and employee at UMD Veronica and her husband Nathan welcomed us from the AILRC, along with guests, whom were UMD students, Faculty, and supportive community members to pick berries at their berry farm!
It was the best day to be there seemingly, a breeze, perfect temperature outside, and all the berries you could pick fresh and organic!
Sweetland was created in 2014 in Cloquet by Nathan and Veronica and as said by them "From the beginning, our hope for Sweet Land Farm has been simple: to create a space where our community can play, explore, and enjoy the beauty of nature — all while picking fresh, organic blueberries grown with care. Every single bush has been planted and nurtured by hand, with love and gratitude for the people who support us".
It was a good to be there, a good day to strengthen our work and community relationships at what can reflected on as a brief and effective work retreat!
Very relaxing and beneficial for each of us who were there to be hands on and focused on collecting such healthy and awesome blueberries!
Miigwech Sweetland Farms!

07/28/2026

This weekend!

Mark your calendars and join us for our 47th annual SOBRIETY POWWOW!

07/16/2026

The 31st Annual Grand Portage Wellness Fair, held June 27th, 2026.
Jody attended on behalf of the AILRC and UMD last week where she was able to connect with some future bulldogs and meet others, the event was overall well organized for their tribal members,
Jody was asked to table by the Grand Portage Tribal Chairman Bobby D at a recent American Indian Advisory Board meeting
This rounds out our tabling for this year until the cycle starts this Fall Semester, anyone interested in having the AILRC table at your event for the 2026-27 academic year please feel free to reach out to us! [email protected]
The pictures following the event pictures are of the mighty Lake Superior and it was so smooth that day, no waves whatsoever!

07/08/2026

Sorry for the last minute update, but there had to be a schedule change for our lacrosse game tomorrow 7/6. We will be at the green space by the tennis courts/softball fields (UMD campus), and it will be earlier than usual 2pm - 5pm! Please note the other two earlier times in July as well - updated July schedule below. The weather forecast looks great for tomorrow!

07/08/2026

Next weekend, our Fond du Lac Band hosts Northern Minnesota’s largest veterans‑honoring powwow 🌅. From Friday night through Sunday afternoon, we welcome visitors and community members to enjoy a weekend full of song, dance and honoring 🎶.

Explore the flyer below and visit fdlband.org/culture/2026veteranspowwow.php for full details, schedules and travel information.

A free hourly shuttle will run from the Black Bear Casino Resort parking lot to the powwow grounds 🚐. Shuttle service is wheelchair accessible.

All are welcome 🌿

Share with the masses on our behalf! 📣
Let’s come together to honor Veterans.

06/23/2026

UMD Native Student Alex was recognized and attended the Native Forward’s Empowering Scholars Summit 2026! This event was in the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus, held June 5-7 and aimed to create a space for participants to elevate their professional skills, expand their social capital and networks, enhance personal brand, and develop an executive presence.
WTG Alex!