Athletes learn heritage of Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe
More than 400 CMU student-athletes learned about the history and cultural heritage of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe Sunday night.
Joe Sowmick, Director of Public Relations for the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe, and Renee Dillard, Cultural Education Consultant for the Grand River Band of Ottawa, spoke to the student-athletes about the history of the Ojibwe people, the formation of the Chippewa name and the various cultural elements of their tribal heritage.
This marked the first time in school history that the entire group of CMU student-athletes were part of such an educational session.
“It was a great presentation,” said CMU assistant athletic director Nick Williams. “It was an important message and it was an interesting evening for everyone involved.”“It was a real honor for CMU athletics to be a part of an educational opportunity like this. CMU athletics not only represents the university but the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe as well when we wear the Chippewa name on our jerseys.
“The more our administration, coaches and student-athletes know about Ojibwe history and culture the better we can represent the great partnership that we have with the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe.”
The event was one of many activities that take place between CMU athletics and the tribe. CMU is also involved with the Anishnabe Athlete Youth Association and works to promote education and athletics to tribal youth throughout mid-Michigan.
