WALKING THE GOOD ROAD: Graduates honored for perseverance, achievement, and carrying Anishinaabe strength forward

Graduate Dallas Downing receiving his gift and awards from MLB Scholarship Career Counselor Michele Berger and Commissioner of Education Raina Killspotted. All graduates received gifts and awards.

By Vivian LaMoore, Inaajimowin Editor

Graduation marks both an ending and a beginning. For the students, it is the close of one chapter filled with learning and growth, and the start of a new journey filled with opportuni-ties. On one of the last Friday afternoons of the summer, before many of the graduates head off to college and beyond, the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe honored the Class of 2024 - high school and higher education graduates - with a celebratory luncheon. The event also shined a light on the bright futures they carry with them, for themselves, their families, and the generations to come.

With diplomas handed out and tassels turned in 2024, the voices of the community now echoed the same message: pride in the present, and hope for the future. The Education Depart-ment, led by Commissioner of Education Raina Killspotted and the MLB Scholarship/Higher Education department hosted the honorary luncheon, complete with recognition of the gradu-ates, certificates earned, speeches from elected officials, and a keynote address by Migizi Sullivan on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Grand Casino Mille Lacs.

The totals are impressive for the Class of 2024. In all, 149 students received diplomas and certificates. From high school diplomas to master's degrees, this year's class reflects the full spectrum of achievement. Ninety students graduated from high school or earned their GED, 15 students received technical certificates; 26 earned associate degrees, 10 completed bachelors degrees (five of which had also earned the Associate level payment), and eight celebrated earning master's degrees. Each accomplishment represents years of effort, perseverance, and the strong support of family and community.

"You have already done the hard work. This moment is about celebrating your accomplishments, celebrating your resilience, celebrating your commitment to walking that good road," said Chief Executive Virgil Wind. "You have earned this moment, and I hope you feel the pride and love that is all around you — not just from your families, but from your mentors, your teach-ers, your community and especially from your Band."

Minnesota Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan was unable to attend the event but sent a prerecorded video message. "What-ever level of achievement you have reached: high school, GED, technical service, associates, bachelors, masters, doctorate, you should be very proud of yourself," Flanagan said. "I know the journey it took to reach this accomplishment is not easy. I know that you have faced challenges that tested your commitment and resilience, and I know there were moments when you probably wanted to quit. So, honor the journey it took to get here. All the strength it took to juggle schoolwork, family and friends, and just life.... See the significance of all the obstacles put in your way and the perseverance you used to reach this accomplishment, because you are amazing."

Migizi Sullivan also offered words of congratulations and encouragement. Sullivan is from the Lac Courte Oreilles (LCO) Reservation, an instructor at the LCO Language Department, a supporter of the immersion school at LCO, and Ojibwe language champion. He works with the language teams on the Mille Lacs Reservation and at the school, and is a drum keeper in District Ill. He spoke eloquently in Ojibwemowin and addressed the group also in English.

He told stories of growing up on the LCO reservation and said he wasn't a good student in high school. He had a guidance counselor call him to the office who "encouraged me to find something else to do because school wasn't really working out for me." While the line received a round of laughter, he also told of his perseverance when his career path of being a powwow singer traveling across the country came to an end and he went back to school. "We think that college is for smart people, and we think that people who finish college are smarter than us. I didn't think I was smart enough to go to college. But part of the chip on my shoulder was proving to everyone that I could do it."

He went on to earn an associate degree, bachelors degree, master's degree, and a PhD. "It's the resilience and perseverance to get to the finish line that we all have as Anishinaabe... And you guys, as members and descendants of the Non-Removable Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, you got some resilience in your DNA that is running through your blood right now that is stronger than anything I know of," Sullivan said.

The further he pursued western education, the more he realized how little he knew about his Anishinaabe culture. So, he came to Mille Lacs to learn the language. He admitted it was frustrating and hard to learn, but he was taught by many Mille Lacs Band Elders and listened when they told him to be consistent in offering asemaa every day. When he did that, his learning became easier and he felt more connected and grounded, he said. He encouraged people to continue going to ceremony and to "keep the beautiful language and beautiful culture alive— that's what you're famous for here at Mille Lacs."

The student speaker was Layne Miller, who is currently nearing the final stages of earning his Master of Nursing from North Dakota State University. He credited his wife and family for encouraging him to fulfill his educational dream after his medical discharge from serving in the United States Air Force in Iraq, followed by a tour in South Korea in the Intelligence sector. Serving overseas left him scarred, he said. But with encouragement from his wife, he went on to continue his education. His message was to never give up.

As the luncheon came to a close, the smiles, laughter, and applause were a testament not only to the graduates' hard work, but to the community that supports them. Families, educators, and leaders alike celebrated achievements big and small, knowing that each diploma and certificate represents dedication, perseverance, and the promise of a bright future.

With hearts full of pride and hope, the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe sends its graduates forward - ready to chase their dreams, make a difference, and carry the lessons of home and community into the next chapter of their lives.

Chief Executive Wind added: "As you are heading out to college, or into a career or trade, or military, or taking time to figure things out, know that your place in our community is valuable, know that you carry the hopes of generations and walk in the footsteps of ancestors who prayed for this moment and you carry that strength and determination that will lead us forward. Don't be afraid to dream big. Don't forget to return home. And don't forget who you are — Anishinaabe."

Graduate Layne Miller receives an honor blanket from MLB Scholarship Career Counselor Michele Berger and Commissioner of Education Raina Killspotted. Miller will soon complete his Master's in Nursing at NDSU.

Migizi Sullivan, PhD, gives a heartfelt speech of encouragement to graduates and their families. “It’s the resilience and perseverance to get to the finish line that we all have as Anishinaabe…"

Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Chief Executive Virgil Wind provides congratulatory words and encouragement to all graduates and their families.