By Arin Davis, LCOOU Education Pathways Program Director
Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University’s (LCOOU) Aanji-bimaadiziwin “The changing of lives” program provides Adult Basic Education instruction and support to Lake Superior’s Anishinaabe tribal communities of Red Cliff, Bad River, Lac du Flambeau, and the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe.
Photo Credit: Ashley Stone
For the past four years, I’ve been the Adult Basic Education Coordinator and primary GED instructor for LCOOU. As part of my role, I travel between communities providing instruction and educational services. I am blessed to be in this role meeting new people and their families. Each day brings opportunities to support learners as they build confidence, rediscover their strengths, and pursue their goals – whether it’s earning a GED, preparing for college, or advancing their careers. These communities bring a spirit of resilience and pride into the learning space, rooted in cultural traditions, and a shared commitment to growth. As an instructor, I’ve become part of that journey, walking alongside learners as they reclaim knowledge not just for themselves but for their families and their future generations.
The communities embody the cultural empowerment that tribal colleges and universities value and center themselves on, and I know that adult education does not need to be removed from that experience; it fits perfectly. Though I may support students in their formal education, I receive a profound education through the cultural knowledge and community connections that are shared with me. What we learn from each other becomes organically and authentically incorporated into a well-rounded educational experience. Every day is full of the humor, adventure, and spirit of the people I get to meet and know.
Photo Credit: Ashley Stone
Traveling between these communities also offers a chance to appreciate the powerful connection each one has to the land and to one another. From the red sandstone cliffs along Lake Superior in Red Cliff, to the wild rice beds of Bad River, and the pristine lakes of Lac du Flambeau, the natural world is a part of daily life and learning. Despite the distances between them, these communities share deep cultural ties, language, and traditions that are woven into the educational experience. Teaching across these nations allows me to witness a larger story – one of healing, empowerment, and unity grounded in place, heritage, and a collective vision for the future.
