MARQUETTE, Mich. (WJMN) – The Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan announced it has named Miskopwaaganikwe Leora Tadgerson to serve as its Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Previously, Tadgerson served as Interim Director at the Student Equity and Engagement Center at Northern Michigan University (NMU). Tadgerson also teaches Indigenous Studies with the Center for Native American Studies (CNAS) at NMU with a concentration in Anishinaabemowin, the Indigenous language of the Great Lakes Region.
Tadgerson has also partnered with the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan and the Great Lakes Peace Center. She has served as a team member for the Walking Together: Finding Common Ground Traveling Exhibit, working to connect with survivors of Michigan-based Native American Boarding Schools to share their stories and work toward healing with Indigenous communities.
The Diocese says Tadgerson’s work as a tribal liaison has helped to build trust and authentic relationships with countless partners in the work for racial healing and Becoming Beloved Community. Tadgerson also serves on the Board of Directors of Title Track, a statewide organization based on youth, water and racial equity and recently on the Food Sovereignty Symposium and Festival Planning Committee to be held in Marquette this month.
“We, in the Diocese of Northern Michigan, are committed to the work of racial equity and justice,” said Bishop Rayford Ray. “We were inspired by the report produced by the Presiding Officers’ Working Group on Truth-Telling, Reckoning and Healing, which stresses the need for more intentional support on the diocesan and local levels and we are beyond blessed that Leora is willing to partner with us in this work.”
The Episcopal Diocese in Northern Michigan says that as Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Tadgerson will: continue the truth telling and relationship building work with community partners and will guide diocesan leadership in programs and initiatives to move us closer to God’s vision for us as reconciling communities rooted in love.
For additional information, you can contact Lydia Kelsey Bucklin at lydia@upepiscopal.org or (906) 228-7160.