Bemidji State, Leech lake Tribal College share celebration

By Michelle Ruckdaschel Pioneer Staff Writer

CASS LAKE - As Leech Lake Tribal College embarks on a new chapter in its history with the recent opening of its new facility, a neighboring university has offered its support by presenting a gift to the college.

During the college’s first weekly feast for students and staff at the new facility Monday, Bemidji State University officials presented a wooden flute with a small loon carving on it to LLTC President Leah Carpenter.

“The university’s had an association with the college from its very early beginnings,” BSU President Jon Quistgaard said.

He said LLTC has taken its longtime dream of building a new facility and made it a success in a very short amount of time.

“What they’ve accomplished today is nothing short of remarkable,” Quistgaard said. “It tells you that dreams are real.”

He said Monday’s feast provided BSU the opportunity to honor the college and its board, as well as the entire Leech Lake Nation.

“We wanted to take time to convey our support for the college and its mission,” he added.

Joining Quistgaard to present the flute to Carpenter were Lee Cook, executive director of BSU’s American Indian Resource Center, and Lorena Cook, assistant to the president for affirmative action at BSU.

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Chancellor James H. McCormick and Will Antell, who serves on the MnSCU Board of Trustees, also attended the presentation and the feast.

McCormick offered his congratulations to LLTC on behalf of the colleges and universities in the MnSCU system. He and Antell, a White Earth Nation member, are visiting tribal chairs throughout the state.

One of the goals, Antell said, is to try to build understanding and relationships between tribal chairs and governments and the MnSCU Chancellor’s Office and the presidents’ offices at MnSCU institutions.

On Monday, Antell congratulated LTTC on its new facility and commended the college’s relationship with BSU. He added that he hopes many of the students who attend the college will consider furthering their education at BSU or other MnSCU institutions.

Carpenter said LLTC is working with BSU to make the transition more seamless for students who transfer to the university. And, she added, the flute from BSU symbolizes the relationship between the two institutions.

“To me, it just means that we will continue to be partners for a long time,” Carpenter said after unwrapping the flute from the fabric it was kept in. “We will continue to make beautiful educational music together.”