College of Menominee Nation Hosts December Wellness and Cultural Events

The College of Menominee Nation convened a Talking Circle in the campus Wellness Resource Room on December 9, part of a broader slate of student wellness and cultural activities scheduled for the week of December 9 through December 12. The college calendar included dates, times and locations for the community facing events, and served as the reference for students and local residents interested in attending or following campus activities.

Alongside the Talking Circle, the college scheduled ongoing campus activities described on the calendar as Ribbon Shirt or Skirt Wednesdays and Breathe and Bead sessions during the week. These offerings combined cultural expression with stress reduction practices, creating space for Indigenous traditions to be practiced on campus while supporting student mental health. By opening programming to community members the college reinforced its role as a local hub for cultural continuity and social support in Menominee County.

For residents, the immediate impact was practical and social. Events held on campus gave students and community members accessible opportunities to connect, learn traditional practices and access wellness resources without traveling outside the county. At a time of year when students often face increased academic and personal pressures, such programming can help reduce acute stress and strengthen social networks that support persistence in college.

There are broader implications for the local economy and public policy. Regular campus wellness programming can improve student retention and completion, outcomes that feed into workforce development in small counties. Community access to cultural and wellness services can also lower demand for emergency mental health responses, a potential public sector cost saving over time. Observers tracking long term trends will watch whether these recurring initiatives expand into sustained partnerships with local health providers or tribal governance structures.

The college calendar entry served as the operational guide for these activities, listing the specific times and on campus locations for those who wanted to attend. For community members seeking in person support or cultural programming, the campus offered direct opportunities to participate during the week of December 9 through December 12.