Northland College hires Native American Indigenous Cultures Center Director

March 30, 2012

Northland College alumnus James Pete has been appointed the new director of the Native American Indigenous Cultures Center at Northland College. Pete has served as an adjunct faculty member for local colleges and universities, including most recently at the University of Minnesota-Duluth.

Pete, who is a member of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, began his academic career at Northland, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management and Native American Studies. After completing his undergraduate work, Pete obtained a Master of Arts in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix. He also received a doctorate in Business Administration at California Pacific University. Pete has served as a consultant to local tribal governments and businesses.

"It is clear that Jim's abilities and leadership will help develop the Native American Indigenous Cultures Center into a place of learning and cultural exchange," said Northland College President Michael A. Miller, Ph.D. "Jim has been present at many college-sponsored events, and he has contributed to our efforts consistently since graduating from Northland."

Pete will oversee the operations of the Native American Indigenous Cultures Center and foster partnerships that support Native families and youth in a way that promotes attendance in higher education. He will also direct efforts to support programs for Native students as they move through their post-secondary education.

"I am honored and humbled that I have been chosen to serve as the director of the new Native American and Indigenous Cultures Center at Northland," said Pete. "I feel it is a definite advantage to be an alum of Northland College and to have participated in the Native American programs offered here."

Pete addressed how the college may access and enhance its cultural foundation to assist in the future planning of the Native American and Indigenous Cultures Center to support Native American and other indigenous students, tribal communities, and Northland College.

"I look forward to working with college staff, faculty and students on Native American issues and ways to highlight and educate the community on indigenous cultures," said Pete.

Pete's duties will also include coordinating cultural teaching that supports Native traditions and ways of living that develop a rich awareness for Native and non-Native community members. He will also convene Native elders and communities in support of youth and for the health of Native communities. The Native American and Indigenous Cultures Center was established at Northland College in September 2011 through grant support from the Otto Bremer Foundation.