Aaniin WETCC staff, students, faculty and community members,
As another exciting summer session comes to a close at White Earth Tribal and Community College, we’re celebrating a season filled with hands-on learning and opportunities to celebrate community achievements.
natural and cultural landscapes of our region. You’ll also learn about free workforce training opportunities available through partnerships with the Maadaadizi Workforce Center and Alexandria Technical & Community College in high-demand fields including welding, IT cybersecurity and networking, and construction.
Open House season is underway, with Student Services hosting both in-person and virtual events to welcome prospective students and families. As we wrap up finals week and congratulate our summer students on a successful semester, we invite you to read on and see what’s happening across the WETCC community.
Customized Education Partnerships Provide Free Workforce Training
Looking to build new skills or launch a career in a high-demand field?
White Earth Tribal and Community College is partnering with the Maadaadizi Workforce Center and Alexandria Technical & Community College to offer free workforce training opportunities in Welding, IT Cybersecurity & Networking, and Construction.
Current WETCC students are encouraged to take advantage of these programs, which also include support services through the grant to help participants succeed.
For more information, contact Linda Muchow from the EDGE Center of Innovation at Alexandria Technical & Community College. Linda will be on the WETCC campus today from 12:30–6:00 p.m. in Maananoons, where she will be administering IT certification exams for the previous cohort and may be available between exams to answer questions—stop by and say boozhoo!
In addition, WETCC Customized Education is now accepting applications for upcoming Solar PV Installer, Special Boiler Operator License, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training programs. Don’t miss these opportunities to gain valuable credentials and advance your career!
Stories that Teach: An Evening with Betsy Albert-Peacock and Thomas Peacock
Join White Earth Tribal and Community College for an unforgettable evening celebrating the power of Indigenous storytelling, literature, and education.
On Tuesday, August 11, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. in Drum Hall, acclaimed Ojibwe authors Betsy Albert-Peacock (Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe) and Thomas Peacock (Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe) will share readings from their work and discuss the vital role Indigenous-authored books and culturally relevant curriculum play in preserving culture, strengthening communities, and inspiring future generations.
This free community event welcomes students, educators, families, and community members of all ages. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from two respected voices in Indigenous literature and education, engage with the authors during the presentation, and receive free children’s books authored by Betsy Albert-Peacock and Thomas Peacock, a complimentary event tote bag, and light refreshments while supplies last.
Whether you’re an avid reader, an educator, or simply interested in learning more about Anishinaabe stories and perspectives, this promises to be an inspiring and meaningful evening.
We hope you’ll join us for this special opportunity to celebrate the enduring power of stories that teach.
Ecology Students Visit Lower Rice and Tamarac
NATR110: Introduction to Ecology students visited with Cliff Kroll and Amalia Galvan from the White Earth Department of Natural Resources – Wild Rice Program – to discuss water levels, rice growth, and other climate impacts on the harvesting season.
The class also visited the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge to visit with Wayne Brininger to discuss restoration efforts at the refuge and tribal partnerships. Students even got to eat some tasty cattails!
WETCC Open House Season in Full Swing
WETCC’s student services team has been busy planning multiple open house sessions for in person and online learners. If you are thinking about enrolling at WETCC or would like more information, stop by one of the many open house events on the fliers below!
A Successful Week for the STEM Transportation Camp
White Earth Tribal and Community College recently concluded its 2026 STEM Transportation Camp with an engaging week of hands-on learning for students entering grades 7–10. Throughout the camp, participants explored the many facets of transportation through STEM-based activities, interactive workshops, educational field experiences, and Anishinaabe-centered environmental teachings.
Campers had the opportunity to visit North Dakota State University’s Transportation Research Center, engage with Ph.D. students from the University of Maryland, learn about Minnesota’s bridge infrastructure with the Minnesota Department of Transportation, and explore career pathways during a presentation from White Earth Transportation.
Students also examined transportation technology and sustainability, participated in traditional lacrosse (baaga’adowewin), and built valuable teamwork and problem-solving skills while forming new friendships.
WETCC extends its sincere appreciation to the students, staff, presenters, and community partners whose collaboration made this year’s camp a meaningful and memorable experience. Together, we are helping inspire the next generation of innovators, engineers, and transportation professionals.
Unraveling the Ribbon Documentary Event
Join us for a Ribbon Skirt Documentary Screening & Community Sewing Workshops!
Unraveling the Ribbon Documentary
Date: July 23
Time: 5:00–6:30 p.m.
Location: White Earth Tribal and Community College
Rooms: Zhede and Zhiishiib
Join us for a special screening of Unraveling the Ribbon, a short documentary exploring the deep cultural, spiritual, and political significance of the ribbon skirt.
Worn with pride, each ribbon skirt tells a personal and collective story of resilience, identity, and ancestral connection. Once forced underground, the ribbon skirt reemerged following the 1978 Religious Freedom Act and has become a powerful symbol of Indigenous survival, sovereignty, and cultural expression. Women across generations share how ribbon skirts are woven into ceremony, personal healing, political resistance, and creative expression.
Featured in the documentary is Beverly St. John, WETCC Sewing Instructor, who shares her knowledge and experiences surrounding the history and meaning of the ribbon skirt.
Light refreshments will be provided.
Ribbon skirt kits will be available for all participants.
Community Sewing Workshops
Participants are invited to continue their ribbon skirt journey during the following open sewing sessions:
Location: Bev’s Sewing Room (Azaadi)
- Monday, July 27 | 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, July 29 | 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
- Thursday, July 30 | 4:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Whether you are creating your first ribbon skirt or continuing a project, all skill levels are welcome. Come learn, create, and connect through culture, community, and storytelling.
Berry Camp was Bursting with Energy!
This past week, Community Extension ran their annual Berry Camp programming for students, staff and community members. On July 14, 15 and 16, participants were able to harvest wild blueberries, learn how to make jam, make rice knockers, play baaga’adowewin (traditional lacrosse), and paint pots. It was a week full of community and land based learning!
Prepare for Success with College Bound Days at WETCC
White Earth Tribal and Community College is excited to host College Bound Days, a free Summer Bridge Program designed to help students develop the skills, confidence, and connections needed for success in college.
Participants will strengthen their academic readiness in math, science, and computer literacy while exploring Ojibwe language and culture, learning how to navigate campus resources, and discovering educational and career pathways.
The program will be offered in two sessions: August 3–6 for adult learners (ages 19+) and August 10–13 for high school students (ages 15–18). Sessions will be held Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the WETCC campus in Mahnomen, with lunch provided each day.
Registration is free, but space is limited. Interested participants are encouraged to register by July 31, 2026. To apply, visit bit.ly/4dsgjAl or call 218-935-0417 for more information.
Renewable Energy Training Scholarship Program
Students and community members interested in building careers in renewable energy are encouraged to apply for the Renewable Energy Training Scholarship Program through Tribal Energy Alternatives. This scholarship provides up to $1,500 in funding for enrolled tribal members who are accepted into or currently participating in vocational, technical, trade school, or renewable energy training programs.
Scholarship funds are available on a rolling basis until annual funding is exhausted and are designed to provide flexible support based on individual needs. Eligible expenses may include living expenses, transportation, supplies, books, program fees, and childcare costs. To qualify, applicants must:
- Be an enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Be accepted into or enrolled in a training program related to renewable energy or a career pathway in the renewable energy industry
WETCC students and community members interested in renewable energy careers are encouraged to explore this opportunity. Visit https://www.tribalalternatives.org/scholarships/ to learn more and apply.
Interested in renewable energy training at WETCC? Contact Customized Education to learn more about our Solar PV Installer Training Program, which may help participants meet eligibility requirements for this scholarship opportunity. Additional scholarship opportunities are also available through Tribal Energy Alternatives.
Until next time
- Miigwech for being an integral part of our campus community. Together, we can continue to bring hope, joy, and opportunity to those who need it most. If you have any questions, suggestions, or submissions for the campus newsletter please reach out to Nora Schulz at nora.schulz@wetcc.edu