March 1
🎉Happy Birthday to our Education Director🎉
Calendar
Youth Meet-up
March 3 | 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Jijak
Youth Open Gym
March 4 | 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Jijak
Youth Council Board Meeting
March 6 | 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. | GLT Administration Building
Youth Meet-Up
March 10 | 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Jijak
🧵 Widoké:
March 11 | 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. | Learning Center
Youth Open Gym
March 11 | 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Youth Meet-Up
March 17 | 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Jijak
🧵Widoké
March 18 | 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. | GLT Learning Center
Youth Open Gym
March 18 | 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Jijak
GLT Elders, Youth & Families Bowling Event
March 22 | 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Rock 'N' Bowl
Youth Meet-Up
March 24 | 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Jijak
🧵Widoké
March 25 | 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. | GLT Learning Center
Youth Open Gym
March 25 | 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Jijak
Youth Culture Day
March 26 | 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Jijak
🎨Detroit Institute of Art: Anishinaabe Exhibit Trip
March 29 | Contact Karen Bos for details
Youth Meet-Up
March 31 | 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Jijak
Library
March is Reading Month!
Take extra time to read something new this month for reading month. Here are some great new Indigenous authored books to try. * Reminder, you can use your Home Library Program funds to purchase these books for your personal collection. Reach out to Tribal Librarian, Karen at karen.bos@glt-nsn.gov
Student Spotlight
Aubree Leenheer
Aubree Leenheer, an 8th-grade student, is a wonderful example of dedication and perseverance in the classroom. Her strong discipline and commitment to doing her best in school truly set her apart.
Aubree has a special curiosity for math, where her enthusiasm for learning and problem-solving shines. She approaches challenges with confidence and determination, demonstrating not only her intelligence but also a genuine love for learning.
We are proud to recognize Aubree for her hard work, positive mindset, and academic drive. Keep up the amazing work, Aubree—we can’t wait to see all the great things you will accomplish! 🌟
Our Education Department is excited to celebrate the hard work, talents, and unique interests of our amazing students! Each month, we highlight students who are shining in the classroom, participating in fantastic activities, or pursuing passions that inspire others. We invite you to click the link below and fill out our short form to feature your outstanding student in an upcoming spotlight. After completing the form, please send a photo of your student to our Education Assistant, Meagan Uber, at meagan.uber@glt-nsn.gov so we can share their brilliance with our community!
Program Reminder
Spring Break is the perfect time to make the most of your Citizen Activity Program (CAP) funds — especially if you still have a remaining balance!
Instead of extra screen time, use this week to get out and get active as a family. CAP funds can help cover experiences like:
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Museum visits, such as the Grand Rapids Public Museum
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A day exploring the John Ball Zoo
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Nature programs at the Kalamazoo Nature Center
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Gym memberships, fitness classes, swim lessons, or sports clinics
Spring Break is a great opportunity to keep kids moving, learning, and trying new things. Whether it’s exploring, exercising, or connecting with nature, every activity supports your child’s growth and creates lasting family memories.
If you have funds left — use them! Get out, get active, and make this Spring Break one to remember.
Youth Updates
Maple Sugar Season
March brings maple sugar season, a time that has long been meaningful within Bodewadmi and broader Anishinaabe communities. As the weather begins to shift and the sap starts to run, it signals more than just the change of seasons — it marks a time of gathering, working together, and giving thanks.
For many families, maple tapping is about more than the process itself. It’s about being outside together after a long winter, watching the signs of change, and taking part in a tradition that connects generations. The work requires patience and care, and the reward comes slowly, reminding us that good things take time.
Even talking with youth about what maple season represents — renewal, responsibility, gratitude — helps keep those teachings alive. Whether through participating in community tapping, sharing stories, or simply noticing the change in the air, this season offers a quiet opportunity to reconnect with the land and with one another.
Stay Connected
If you have questions, ideas, or would like to participate in any of the above programs, reach out:
Lance Hinmon,
Youth Specialist
lance.hinmon@glt-nsn.gov 269.258.1520
Higher Education
Spring Forward: Mid-Semester Check-In
March is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and reset. As the semester moves quickly, we encourage students to meet with their academic advisors, check current grades, and adjust study habits if needed. Don’t hesitate to reach out for tutoring or campus support resources—they are there to help you succeed. It’s also a great time to begin thinking ahead and register early for fall classes. Remember, it’s not too late to finish strong. Please reach out if you need help with any Higher Education needs- Andrea Heidtman at andrea.heidtman@glt-nsn.gov
Education Department Resource Hub
Carry the Teaching this March
February's Carry the Teachings Winner!
Let's Learn!
Contact Us!
Education Director
William Griffeywilliam.griffey@glt-nsn.gov
269.397.1780, ext. #1215
Education Assistant
Meagan Uber
meagan.uber@glt-nsn.gov
269.397.1780, ext. #1214
Youth Specialist
Lance Hinmon
lance.hinmon@glt-nsn.gov
269.397.1780, ext. #1259
Higher Education Specialist
Andrea Heidtman
andrea.heidtman@glt-nsn.gov
269.397.1780, ext. #1213
Tribal Librarian
Karen Bos
karen.bos@glt-nsn.gov
269.397.1780, ext. #1216