The University of Wisconsin-Madison American Indian and Indigenous Studies program will host its spring Elder-in-Residence, Leon Valliere, on campus this week as part of an initiative aimed at strengthening connections between students and Indigenous communities, according to the UW Events Calendar.
Valliere is on campus through April 17 meeting with students, visiting classes and participating in campus events, according to the Events Calendar. Through April 16, Valliere will be holding office hours in 315 Ingraham Hall, according to the AIIS website.
The Elder-in-Residence program, hosted by AIIS, invites an Indigenous Elder to campus for a weeklong residency centered on student engagement and cultural exchange, according to AIIS Director Kasey Keeler. Elders often represent tribal communities in Wisconsin, though participants may come from Tribal Nations across the county, Keeler said.
“One of the main goals of the program is to bring the elders to campus to allow students to connect with them, as elders are held in high regards and valued in Indigenous communities,” Keeler said.
The initiative supports both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students by broadening access to Indigenous perspectives while also offering non-Native students opportunities to learn about tribal practices, traditions and community priorities, Keeler said. For Indigenous students, the program can also provide a connection to cultural traditions, particularly for those away from their home communities, according to Keeler.
Programming throughout the week is designed to encourage participation across campus and includes shared meals, classroom visits and student-focused events, according to Keeler.
“The Elder-in-Residence program intentionally works to create space for the campus community to come together,” Keeler said. “On each Monday of the program week, the Elder is welcomed with a feast that is open to all; this is followed by additional meals during the week that connect to other programming.”
Keeler said the program features classroom visits and engagement with Wunk Sheek students at the Indigenous Student Center. Wunk Sheek is a student organization that supports Indigenous students and promotes awareness of Indigenous culture, history and contemporary issues, according to the Wisconsin Alumni Association.
Valliere is a member of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, as well as a spiritual leader and advocate for Ojibwe language revitalization, according to Keeler.
Valliere is a “staunch advocate for language revitalization and teaches Ojibwe language and culture across the community,” Keeler said. “Mr. Valliere has shared his language with us during this week’s programming.”
The program does not establish formal learning objectives, but instead focuses on fostering connection through relationship-building and reciprocal dialogue, Keeler said. Participants are encouraged to engage in conversations that emphasize education, respect and humility, Keeler said.
