Students exploring medical careers at Mashkiki Maaginigan event in White Earth

On Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, White Earth Nation youth in grades 7 through 12 gathered at White Earth Tribal Community College for the Mashkiki Maaginigan event, designed to inspire students to explore careers in health and science. The event offered workshops on suturing, traditional games, and holistic living as an Anishinaabe while encouraging students to honor their Native American culture in their future careers.

“Mashkiki Maaginigan was such a fun event! It was a privilege to meet many of the youth of White Earth, to learn about their interests in health and science careers, and to observe the importance of tying culture and community values into addressing future local workforce needs,” said Michael Sundberg, MD, MPH, associate professor in the Department of Medicine at the U of M Medical School.

Sponsored by the University of Minnesota’s Center of American Indian and Minority Health, the Medica Foundation, and White Earth Tribal & Community College, the event featured breakout sessions and guidance on post-secondary education. Students had the opportunity to meet Native American professionals in health and science and learned about scholarships and career pathways. This was the first of three events, with additional sessions planned for January and April 2025.

“It was such an honor to be on my home reservation speaking to young people and seeing them interested in health and science careers. Events like these are exactly what we need to inspire youth to seek future careers that can benefit our community,” said keynote speaker Laura Lhotka, MD, a White Earth descendant and U of M Medical School graduate.