Native American culture celebration at Teaching Family Homes

Teaching Family Homes of Upper Michigan observed Native American Heritage Month today.

Glen Bressette and his son, Glen Jr., visited the Teaching Family Homes campus in Sands Township this afternoon. They’re both Keweenaw Bay Indian Community members, and they held a cultural program for young people that the facility serves.

“Glen Bressette has been very passionate about educating people on his culture, the Ojibwa culture,” Teaching Family Homes public relations manager Rich Rossway said. “It’s really fascinating when you look at what an impact Native Americans have had on the Upper Peninsula.”

The Bressettes brought their full regalia with them and taught the kids some words in the Ojibwa language. The KBIC has also helped Teaching Family Homes create a meditative space on their campus.

“They helped us to design and build a medicine wheel, a serenity circle, and it’s a very peaceful spot,” Rossway said. “We really do try to integrate that Native American culture into our campus.”

The serenity circle allows faculty and youth to connect with nature and native culture.