Leadership

A Message from Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University to Our Valued Friends

Aaniin nindiniwemaaganidog,

It is my honor to share with you the remarkable achievements and continued growth of Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University during the 2025-2026 academic year. As we reflect on the past year, I am inspired by the resilience, determination, and shared commitment that continue to guide our university community.

At LCOOU, our mission remains clear: to provide high-quality post-secondary and continuing education while advancing the language, culture, and history of the Ojibwe people. Every accomplishment highlighted in this report reflects our dedication to that mission and our responsibility to the communities we serve.

This year, we celebrated important milestones in student success, academic innovation, and community engagement. We awarded more than $161,000 in scholarships, helping students pursue their educational goals while reducing financial barriers. Our students continue to excel in classrooms, laboratories, cultural programs, and community leadership, demonstrating that Indigenous-centered higher education creates lasting impact not only for individuals but for entire communities.

We expanded opportunities for learning through new and innovative programs, including the revitalized Nanda-gikenjigeng Treaty Natural Resources Program, which blends Ojibwe environmental knowledge with modern scientific approaches. This program represents our commitment to preparing future leaders who will protect our lands, waters, treaty rights, and natural resources while honoring Indigenous ways of knowing.

Our Extension and Career & Technical Education programs continued to thrive, serving nearly 1,900 participants through workshops, training opportunities, cultural programming, and workforce development initiatives. These programs strengthen our communities by supporting lifelong learning, preserving traditional knowledge, and creating pathways to meaningful careers.

The University's Farm also experienced tremendous growth, expanding its role as a center for food sovereignty, agricultural education, research, and cultural revitalization. Despite environmental and operational challenges, the farm advanced infrastructure, strengthened partnerships, and increased opportunities for students and community members to engage in sustainable agriculture grounded in Indigenous values.

We were also proud to host the Seven Generations Inter-Tribal Leadership Summit, bringing together tribal leaders, educators, community members, and partners to discuss the future of health, education, economic development, environmental stewardship, and nation-building. Together, we continue to strengthen the relationships that help our communities flourish.

None of these accomplishments would be possible without the unwavering support of our students, faculty, staff, alumni, tribal communities, donors, grant funders, and friends. Your investment in our students and mission creates opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom.

As we look ahead, we remain focused on the priorities outlined in our Strategic Plan: expanding services, strengthening relationships, supporting our employees, enhancing teaching and learning, and building partnerships that increase our capacity to serve. Grounded in our Anishinaabe values, we will continue to move forward with purpose and vision.

We are grateful for your continued partnership and belief in the mission of Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University. Together, we are creating a space where education, culture, language, and community thrive for generations to come.

Chi Miigwech.

Karen Breit, Manidoo Gaawiikwe

President, Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University