Dr. Michael Migizi Sullivan: Teaching Language Learners in the Modern-Day Classroom

Michael Migizi Sullivan Sr. is a lifelong student of the Ojibwe language, father, husband, ceremonial drum keeper of the Ojibwe, powwow emcee, up-and-coming storyteller, and teacher of the Ojibwe language. Dr. Sullivan earned his doctorate in linguistics at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, working under the tutelage of Larry Amik Smallwood as his main language consultant and Dr. John D. Nichols. Dr. Sullivan is the Faculty Director of Native American Studies at the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe College on his home reservation of Lac Courte Oreilles, where he teaches the intricacies of the Ojibwe language that he learned from Amik.

In today’s episode, we hear about Dr. Sullivan’s editing role in his new book release Plums or Nuts, a collection of Ojibwe stories of Anishinaabe Humor told by his friend and mentor the late Larry Amik Smallwood. We hear why Michael’s drive to work closely with the elders in his community became a pivotal moment that changed the trajectory of his career. Dr. Sullivan shares stories of how he continues to uplift his students inspiring them to set goals while navigating them through the immense pressures of learning the Ojibwe language.

Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce — a.k.a. Minnesota — to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.

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