We Put
Native
Education First
Michigan Indian Education Council
About Us
The Michigan Indian Education Council (MIEC) is a voluntary, not-for-profit, 501c3 organization that advocates for Indian education concerns throughout the State of Michigan. The primary concern of MIEC is to provide an annual Native American Critical Issues Conference (NACIC).
Annual Conference
The NACIC serves as an opportunity for a broad range of constituents to hear about serious issues impacting Indian people and tribes in Michigan, as well as learning about best practices from professionals in various fields in a wholistic manner.
The conference attracts a broad range of people interested in Indian education issues in Michigan, including teachers, policy makers, Indian Education Act programs, tribal schools, tribal colleges, tribal education departments, and Native American studies programs. It also includes a professional and youth track.
Participants at NACIC have experienced a transformative process and connection to our culture and histories. MIECs goal is to continue to have a lasting impact in correlation to our theme every year so that this work can be sustainably continued seven generations into the future.
Distinguished Service Award
Each year since 2004, MIEC has selected an individual or an organization to receive an MIEC distinguished service award. Recipients have included educators, community leaders, and organizations that exemplify best practices in Michigan Indian education. Award recipients are invited to provide a plenary acceptance speech during the closing ceremony at the annual conference. Recipients of this award are also entitled to a waiver of the NACIC registration fee (organizational awardees are allowed one registration waiver).
Past Recipients
2024 Indigenous Education Initiative
2023 Dr. Suzanne Cross
2022 Angeline Boulley
2021 June Mamagona Fletcher
2020 Ron Yob
2019 Bucko Teeple
2018 Frank Ettawageshik
2017 Howard Kimewon
2016 Sharon Kota
2015 Eva Petoskey
2014 Ziibiwing Cultural Society
2013 Arthur Brant
2012 Joseph Webster
2011 Linda Keway
2010 Richard Sgarlotti
2009 Dr. George Cornell
2008 Kenny Pheasant
2007 Paul Johnson
2006 Helen Roy
2005 Victoria Miller
2004 Robert Van Alstine
Michigan Indian Education Council Members
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Past MIEC Presidents
2024-Present Eva Menefee
2017-2024 Dr. Martin Reinhardt
2015-2017 Conrad Church
2010-2015 Sharon Kota
1994-2010 Paul Johnson
Governance
Bylaws of Michigan Indian Education Council
Conference Art
Thank you to our conference art contributions from multiple artists!
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crane, blueberries, and cattails
Martin Reinhardt, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians
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turtle shell and land/air elements