Our Potential Home base
Central Elementary School is a “turn-key” operation that has been extremely well maintained since its closure in 2021 due to budget demands. It was built in the 1950s and became a much beloved institution which stirred up much community controversy when the announced closure was made. The Bemidji School Board has listed and is asking $600,000.00 for the building and property. This building could become the home base for Sacred Bundle’s initiative, help restore and maintain the historic building, and would provide a great addition to the Bemidji and surrounding communities.
The goal of this endeavor is to bring about the transformation of the site and facility into a place of discovery, learning and engagement that fosters and advances sustained environmental research and a reconnecting with Nature that promotes and facilitates youth and family resilience – all from a strong Ojibwe cultural base and informed programming and education.
What is Minwaadizi Learning Center?
The establishment of the Minwaadizi Learning Center is an initiative of Sacred Bundle, Inc. a tribally chartered IRC 7871 nonprofit organization in accordance with Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe’s Title 8 Business Corporation Code, Chapter 2 Nonprofit Corporations. This is a very unique space created by Section 7871(a)(7)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code that can only be occupied by Indigenous organizations allowing them the same nonprofit status of a 501(c)3.
Minwaadizi Learning Center has been developed to be a lead organization in the development of strategies and programming for the advancement of Anishinaabe culture, rights and interests in:
- Research and education that promotes and advances the Rights of Nature;
- Development of sustainable strategies for water, wild rice and the environment of northern Minnesota;
- Development and implementation of cultural revitalization programs and actions in partnership with tribal programs and organizations throughout Minnesota;
- Support and assist other Indigenous organizations and programs who have similar goals and objectives;
Minwaadizi Environmental Learning Center will focus on the conducting of research and development projects either individually or in partnership with other agencies, institutions and organizations. The Center will also collaborate with workforce development efforts with the specific focus of assisting Indigenous youth in gaining the skills necessary to embark on a path to a rewarding career, either in the tribal, public or private sectors of environmental, conservation, land management and related fields.
Drawing upon our more than 350 years of collective experience and learning we have decided to embark on a journey of restoration, empowerment, and revitalization that has two inter-related primary initiatives – first, the establishment of the Minwaadizi Learning Center that focuses R&D through an Anishinaabe lens that reinvigorates Indigenous scientific inquiry and discovery and secondly, be the “home base” for the Mishko Wisitoon Wilderness Academy, that provides a year-round schedule of camps and training that advances biocultural diversity.
Mishko Wisitoon Wilderness Academy is designing a year-round schedule of camps and training that advances biocultural diversity. How does biocultural diversity manifest? One example can be found in language. Language diversity hotspots frequently correlate with species diversity hotspots; similarly, endangered languages often correspond to areas where there are high numbers of endangered species. We are in discussions with Concordia Language Villages for their assistance in developing an Ojibwe language village experience.
We are engaged in a long-term, transformational strategy rather than one-off infrequent events. Our processes are designed to offer participants the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and themselves. All of this creates a foundation on which individuals, friends and families can begin to explore alternative and opportunities
At the same time, we must pay attention to the growth, thriving and success of the organization to insure own long-term viability. achieve empowerment, self-reliance, confidence and to actualize sustainability.
Learn more on our programming page!