The Intertribal Student Council has been an organization on campus since the very early ’90s, caring for Indigenous students and their success from then until now. This year, the council is entering a new and exciting phase with a new team of young leaders after a big part of their council recently graduated, leaving behind many roles to be filled. This group of facilitators, communications officers, and executive members are working hard to bring new and fresh perspectives to the council, and as stated in their constitution,
“We aim to provide culturally responsive, social, and academic support to our members – including the student body as a whole. We educate the UW-Green Bay campus community about Indigenous cultures, issues affecting Indigenous populations, and native excellence through developing leadership skills. We strive to engage Indigenous people and allies in all stages of life, most importantly academic achievement, while maintaining Seven Generations Teachings.”
New Leadership and Vision
Arianna Timm, the new facilitator of the organization, alongside her new co-facilitator, Amelia Bernal, has been working to create a safe and inviting space for members and the broader community. Through advocacy, cultural preservation, and support for academic success, these leaders are bringing their own experiences and vision to the council’s mission. “I was a co-facilitator last year; I just happened to be the most talkative newcomer and took a liking to the role,” Timm said. Although she naturally fell into the role, she has embraced the responsibility and loves the sense of community and support that came with it.
Despite the organization losing many old members who all went on to get their master’s degrees or join the workforce upon graduating, the org regained numbers with all the new incoming Indigenous students. Their longest-standing member, Gerald Redbird, said, “Feels like we had way more new students this year in comparison to last year.” While there aren’t as many members as in previous years, there is an influx of new faces throughout the council to carry on the work handed to them. Gerald Redbird said, “The Community” has been its main reason for staying actively involved, going on to explain, “I like that everybody voices their opinions. We are all here for the sole goal of improving our campus life and spreading awareness. I just love that about this group.”
One of their newest members shared, “I joined to see where all the Natives are at. You can’t find [them] anywhere on campus casually.” For some students coming from communities that are full of people who share the same culture and values as you, it can be a challenging transition. The Intertribal Student Council aims to bridge that gap by creating a safe, inclusive community.
Meeting Structure
Sitting in on one of their meetings and observing was an interesting but rewarding experience. The facilitator valued everyone’s opinions wholeheartedly and expressed that everyone must be comfortable being reported on, first reaching a consensus with their members in leadership roles before bringing it around to the general group members. They all reached a consensus and were comfortable enough to be in the spotlight after a discussion amongst each other, reiterating that it’s okay not to want to. Throughout the meeting, the close-knit relationship everyone has is observed; everyone respects and values each other and their opinions, and they remain professional and courteous while still treating each other like one big family. Every week, they alternate meetings; after a logistical meeting this week, the following week, they have their “fun meetings,” as they call them. They invite members and anyone on campus to join them for board games, snacks, movies, or anything else to connect with each other.
Purpose and Mission of the Council
Reading through the organization’s constitution gives more insight into the ideals and purpose of the council; one of them that stood out the most was under Article 1, Section 2. This section describes the council’s goal of promoting Indigenous culture, supporting academic success, and nurturing leadership among Indigenous and allied students. The Council hosts many events that promote Indigenous culture for members and people in the broader community. A few past events included Orange Shirt Day to raise awareness for the Indigenous children who were forced to attend residential schools. Another event they host is the MMIW (Missing Murdered Indigenous Women), an event where they honor the victims and show solidarity with families. Other ways they promote and educate are through various workshops.
This year they plan on hosting workshops to make ribbon skirts and shirts as well as making moccasins. Aside from the workshops, the idea of hosting a social dance is to share with the community the beauty and stories of their dancing and music. Through these events, they serve not only to promote the culture but also to positively educate the broader community by sharing everything with them.
In Section 3 of Article 1, the council does not discriminate on a wide range of personal attributes, including age, race, gender identity, and more. The council’s inclusive atmosphere stands out, with members frequently mentioning how friendly and welcoming everyone has been. “It’s much smaller than other organizations,” their newest member said, “but it’s a very friendly community. Everyone is very respectful of each other.”
The Council’s mission is deeply influenced by the Seven Generations Teachings, a principle that reminds members of their responsibility to future generations. The leaders are committed to setting a strong foundation for the organization, even as they plan meaningful events that educate and connect people within the community. Posting on Phoenix Connect, putting up posters around the school, and tabling shows their dedication to keeping the council’s doors open to everyone.
The Intertribal Student Council has evolved into more than just a student organization; it’s become a space for cultural preservation, mutual support, and academic encouragement. As the council continues to grow with new members and fresh perspectives, it remains anchored in its mission to uplift Indigenous students while educating the wider community on Indigenous issues and culture. With each meeting, event, and conversation, they are shaping not only the present campus culture but also leaving a lasting legacy for future generations. Through their efforts, the council is building a community rooted in respect, cultural pride, and mutual support that will carry forward and empower the next generation of Indigenous leaders and allies.
