Aaniin WETCC staff, students, faculty and community members,
As summer unfolds across the White Earth community, WETCC is embracing a season of growth, learning, and connection. In this edition, we highlight the many ways our students, staff, and community members are coming together through educational programming, cultural activities, and community engagement.
From youth summer camps that inspire curiosity through hands-on learning, to Community Extension seed growing cohorts that strengthen traditional skills and lifelong learning, there is no shortage of opportunities to learn and grow. Our gardening and seed-saving initiatives continue to support food sovereignty efforts while preserving the knowledge and practices that connect us to the land and future generations.
Miigwech for being part of the WETCC family. We hope you enjoy this edition and all the exciting updates from across our campus.
Customized Education’s Upcoming Programs
Customized Education’s programming is in full swing this summer with NABCEP’s Solar PV Training which is a three-month program designed to prepare students for the Solar PV Associate Credential Exam. Check out the flier below!
WETCC Expands Workforce Training Opportunities Through CanTrain Grant
White Earth Tribal and Community College (WETCC) has secured funding through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (MN DEED) CanTrain grant to provide workforce training opportunities for individuals interested in entering Minnesota’s legal cannabis industry. The program is designed to support participants with career navigation, training, and resources that promote healthy, legal, and sustainable pathways into this emerging field.
Through a partnership with Oaksterdam University, WETCC is offering specialized training in Horticulture, Business Management, Budtending and Retail Management, Business Start-Up and Financing, Extraction and Manufacturing, and Advanced Breeding. These industry-recognized courses prepare participants for a variety of careers within the legal cannabis sector.
Enrollment is still open, and spots remain available for White Earth community members interested in participating. For more information or to enroll, please contact WETCC Customized Education.
Changing of Ceremony Feast
WETCC will be having our Summer Changing of Seasons Ceremony on June 16th in the drum hall at 11:00am. We will also be changing the Binesi Pole in front of the college at this time. We will need help changing the pole, so please feel free to stop by and volunteer.
For anyone interested in learning and helping with the process, we will be leaving campus around 9:00am to go gather the new pole. We will come back around 10:30am to get it ready. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to Ian Anderson at ian.anderson@wetcc.edu.
New Staff Member Joins Customized Education
WETCC welcomes Julia Riegert to the staff team as our new Customized Education Program Navigator! Here is a little bit about Julia to get to know her better:
- Hometown: Sabin, MN
- Degree: Sociology, Women’s Studies
- Who inspired you to take this position? My grandma and cousin
- What was your first job? Pancheros Mexican Grill
- What do you like to do in your free time? Take photos and hang out with friends
- What is your favorite food? Pasta
Planting Seeds of Resilience – Gigitigaadaamin Mashkawiziiminan
The Gigitigaadaamin Mashkawiziiminan (“Planting Seeds of Resilience”) Seed Cohort monthly gatherings are continuing throughout the growing season. The June gathering will focus on planting the Four Sisters—corn, beans, squash, and sunflowers—and exploring the traditional knowledge and growing practices that support healthy gardens and communities.
This open-house-style gathering welcomes community members of all experience levels. Whether you are an experienced gardener or just getting started, bring your questions and join the conversation as we learn together.
For more information about the Seed Cohort or upcoming gatherings, please contact Maria Fatz at maria.fatz@wetcc.edu or 218-936-8349.
STEM Transportation Camp Opportunity
WETCC is excited to offer two STEM Transportation Camps this summer, providing students with hands-on opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering, and transportation careers. Students entering grades 4–6 can attend June 22–25 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., while students entering grades 7–10 can participate July 7–10 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Throughout the camps, students will engage in fun, interactive activities focused on vehicles, transportation systems, and engineering concepts. Participants will also travel to North Dakota State University’s Transportation Research Center, where they will discover how innovative technology is helping create safer roads, stronger bridges, and more resilient infrastructure.
In addition to STEM learning, students will explore Anishinaabe culture and perspectives on sustainability, environmental stewardship, and caring for the land. By connecting traditional knowledge with modern innovation, the camps provide a unique learning experience that encourages curiosity, problem-solving, and community engagement.
WETCC and Mahnomen Public Schools STEAM Camp
This summer, White Earth Tribal and Community College is proud to partner with Mahnomen Public Schools to provide engaging afternoon activities during the K–8 STEAM Summer Camp!
Campers have been exploring their creativity through arts and crafts, learning Ojibwemowin language, participating in traditional baaga’adowewin (lacrosse) and onininjiwataagewin (hand game), enjoying bilingual readings in Ojibwe and English, and practicing mindfulness through meditation activities.
These experiences help youth build confidence, strengthen community connections, celebrate Anishinaabe culture, and discover new interests and talents while having fun throughout the summer.
Miigwech to our WETCC staff, Mahnomen Public Schools, and community partners who are making this summer’s camp such a success!
Some of the highlights at the camp included:
- Students playing jiimaanan aazhawa’am zaaga’iganing (canoes going across the lake) with Ms. Delayna Heisler and Ms. Nicky Desjarlais
- Story time (in Ojibwe and English) and Onininjiiwataagewin (hand game) with Mr. Ian Anderson
- Meditating and smudging with Ms. Maria Fatz
- Rock painting and pinecone bird feeders with Ms. Nora Schulz
- Mud Kitchen and slim making with Mr. Bob Shimek and Ms. Faleisha Budreau
- Ojibwemowin activities including: model clay, beading and capture the flag with Ms. Stephany Morgan
- Baaga’adowewin (Great Lakes lacrosse) with Ms. Ana Kircher
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