The Heart of Our Journey
Our journey began in one of the darkest times in Menominee history, the termination era. Emerging from the Red Power movement of the 1970s, the Menominee Warrior Society, along with various community groups and organizations, fought to restore tribal sovereignty and preserve the land and culture for their unborn children and grandchildren. They were successful, thus ushering in a new era that aimed to restore and revitalize Menominee culture and tribal traditions. At Woodland Heart, we honor that resilience, understanding we are an answered prayer of our ancestors. History reminds us that our culture is strong, beautiful, and worth preserving.
Woodland Heart was created to give the Menominee community more than just a program, it gives them a place of belonging. Through the artistic expression of song and dance, Menominee people can step into traditions that have shaped our community and ancestors for centuries. It’s not just learning the movements of dance or the melody of a song, we instill the values and self-determination that have allowed our culture to thrive and persevere through the hardships of this colonized world. Here, tradition and creativity meet, sparking confidence and instilling pride while enhancing tribal identity in the next generation of young Menominee.
This journey is guided by the wisdom of our elders and strengthened by the resilience in our blood. Together, we create safe spaces where youth not only learn but lead, developing their voices and stepping into roles of responsibility as culture bearers. At each gathering, every piece of regalia and every shared song serves as a bridge between the past, present, and future, recognizing that moral decision-making ensures the survival of our rich culture and tribal identity as Menominee.
At the heart of it all is the belief that artistic expression is a form of tribal identity in motion. Woodland Heart is committed to ensuring that indigenous youth rise with purpose, grounded in culture and inspired to create lives of meaning. This is the Heart of our journey, to honor the past, empower the present, and inspire future generations of Menominee to stay connected to all that makes us who we are.
Our Mission
Woodland Heart is a movement dedicated to enhancing tribal identity through song, dance and artistic expression.
Our Vision
Woodland Heart envisions a future where indigenous wisdom and tribal art serve as guiding principles for indigenous youth and families to pursue purpose driven lives.
Our Core Values
Cultural Integrity – Upholding and respecting traditional practices through collaboration with tribal elders and cultural caretakers.
Empowerment – Providing indigenous youth and tribal families with opportunities to lead, create, and share their artistic talents.
Community Connection – Strengthening bonds within native communities through shared cultural experiences.
Preservation – Safeguarding indigenous art, historical significance, music, and dance for future generations.
Creativity – (Innovate) Encouraging self-expression through traditional and modern artistic forms.
Education – Providing structured interactive learning experiences that deepen cultural understanding and authentic self-identity.
Meet the Team
Meet the Team
Our Initiatives
-
Menominee Tribal Socials
These events are designed to enhance community involvement in the revitalization of Menominee tribal identity through the social style of woodland dancing. We will use this platform to educate the understanding and stories that accompany various woodland style of social dances, while providing a warm, welcoming atmosphere for the Menominee community to enjoy an evening of food, tribal fellowship and community spirit that these dances bring.
-
Let's Dance
Let’s Dance Initiative believes in empowering Indigenous people by equipping them with the essential tools, knowledge and confidence to embrace their cultural identity through traditional song and dance. Our programs ensure equitable opportunities for families and community members to create a legacy that resonates through generations, ensuring that the beauty of woodland artistry continues to inspire.
-
Power of Tribal Footprints
The Power of Tribal Footprints is an engaging documentary series dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of tribal songs and dances through the art of storytelling, amplified by modern technology. This initiative centers a collaboration with elders and knowledge keepers, safeguarding cultural integrity while ensuring that the traditions of our people not only endure but continue to thrive for generations to come.
Upcoming Menominee Community Gatherings
With Gratitude
Woodland Heart is deeply grateful to our sponsors and partners for their vital support. Your commitment strengthens our mission to preserve, revitalize, and share the rich artistic traditions of woodland peoples for generations to come.
