MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Formerly known as Nokomis Learning Center, the now Nokomis Cultural Heritage Center gathered in the Central Park Pavilion on Friday to celebrate 30 years of sharing Anishinaabe culture in Michigan.

“It was established in 1989 with Meridian Township and indigenous studies at MSU,” said board president Aarin Migiziins Dokum. “

Nokomis received a grant to open in 1989 and officially opened its doors to share Native American culture with the area in 1990. Dokum said the organization thrived in the early 2000’s, but has seen a decline in numbers since then, but they’re working together to spread awareness to younger generations using social media to connect with both the native and non-native community.

“We’re trying to do more activities as far as direct language teachings,” Dokum said. “Throughout the years we had a language table, just a conversational table where we get together, throw a potluck together and share our experiences like a community center.”

Those who came out got to celebrate with one another and enjoy a feast of food fresh off the grill while enjoying the park and live music. The celebration was complete with a birthday cake and ice cream to commemorate the past 30 years and wish the best for many more to come.

This is only one of several activities and potlucks Nokomis puts on throughout the year. If you missed this event, don’t worry there will be more including the fall feast coming up soon.

“During that fall feast we invite people in the community to honor the people that moved on before them,” Dokum said. “So, we call it a Spirit Plate. We make just a small amount of food for the spirits that moved on for the people that passed away.”

For more information, visit the Nokomis Cultural Heritage Center at Nokomis.org.