MiLEAP and MSU Relaunch Native American Resource Guide to Expand Access to Critical Resources and Supports for Tribal Communities

The Native American Resource Guide serves as a centralized, user-friendly tool to connect Native students, families and partners with educational, health, cultural, and legal resources

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP), in partnership with Michigan State University’s Native American Institute (NAI), has relaunched the Native American Resource to better support Native students, families, and Tribal communities across Michigan. The updated guide provides a centralized, user-friendly tool that connects students, families, and community partners with the resources and supports they need to navigate educational opportunities and strengthen their communities.

“MiLEAP’s mission is to expand opportunity for every learner in Michigan, and that includes strengthening our support for Native students and Tribal communities,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “The relaunch of the Native American Resource Guide reflects our commitment to connecting students, families, educators, and community partners with the resources, scholarships, and supports they need to thrive in school and beyond.”

“The NAI is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with MiLEAP on this important initiative,” said Dr. Kevin Leonard, director of NAI. “For more than three decades, the Native American Resource Guide has served as an important source of information about Native communities in Michigan and beyond. Our collaborative efforts ensure elders, Tribal nations, and other community members and partners can connect with the supports they need.” 

First published as the Michigan Indian Quarterly through the Michigan Office for Civil Rights, the Native American Resource Guide has served for more than three decades as a trusted reference for Native students, families, and organizations supporting Indigenous communities in Michigan. The new edition strengthens access to vital supports and helps ensure that students, their families, and community partners can fully leverage the educational and community resources available to them across the state.

“Our goal is to ensure that Native American students and families have the resources and guidance they need to succeed at every stage of their educational journey,” said Melissa Kiesewetter, Tribal Liaison at MiLEAP. “The Native American Resource Guide addresses the unique needs of Tribal communities while helping educators, counselors, and student success coaches more easily navigate Tribal and Indigenous services, scholarships, and opportunities, so they can provide the best possible support.”

Features of the Updated Native American Resource Guide:

• Tribal Contacts: Connect with Tribal governments and community organizations across the state.
• State and Federal Contacts: Access relevant state and federal offices supporting Native communities.
• Education, Legal, and Health Resources: Information to support academic success, legal needs, and wellness.
• Scholarship Opportunities: Listings of scholarships available to Native students at all educational levels, including MiLEAP’s Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver program.
• Genealogical Research Tools: Resources for exploring family history and cultural heritage.

The updated guide is available online and in print. For assistance accessing the guide or to request a print copy, please contact the Native American Institute at nai@msu.edu. If you notice information that is outdated or missing, NAI welcomes your input to ensure the guide remains current and up to date.

The guide also includes artwork from Native artists from Michigan.