At the Saginaw Chippewa Academy in Mount Pleasant a six member team working on restoring and teaching Anishinaabe language and culture to the youngest generation of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe.

Culture and language was ripped away during the Boarding School era (1893-1934) and had lasting effects on the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Nation. With these resources given to the community and children, it shows a step forward in the direction of reclaiming the tribe’s heritage.Native leaders revitalize tribal culture after generations of abuse.

Photos and story by Rachel Harrison

(From left to right) Joe Sryette, Cecilia Stevens, Nathan Issac, Aaron Chivis, James Day, and Matthew Sprauge discuss plans for the Round Dance. The Round Dance is a community celebration that is held yearly to celebrate the children and school accomplishments for the year on March 8, 2016 at Saginaw Chippewa Academy located on 7498 E Broadway Rd, Mt Pleasant, MI.

Alaina Disel smudges herself before Culture and Language lesson is taught. "It's important to smudge yourself daily. Smudging is a way to clear your mind, and give you a chance to really relax. Smudging is a mixture of sage and sweet grass," said Matthew Sprague on March 9, 2016 at the Saginaw Chippewa Academy located on 7498 East Broadway Road, Mount Pleasant, Michigan.

Right: Nathan Issac poses for a portrait before the Round Dance began on March 12, 2016 at Tribal Headquarters on 7070 E. Broadway Mount Pleasant MI.

Left: Participants dance around the drummers during the Round Dance celebration on March 12, 2016. The Round Dance was hosted to celebrate students achievements for the school year at the Saginaw Chippewa Academy.

The lodge encloses the sacred fire that burns during the Round Dance on March 11, 2016 at Tribal Headquarters on 7070 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant, Michigan.

Above: Dancers dance around the drummers during the Round Dance celebration on March 12, 2016. Round Dance was hosted to celebrate students achievements for the school year at the Saginaw Chippewa Academy.

Left: Melissa Montoya poses for a portrait before the Round Dance began on March 11, 2016 at Tribal Headquarters on 7070 E. Broadway Mount Pleasant MI.

Left: Joe Sryette one of the culture teachers at the Saginaw Chippea Academy dances during the 27th annual Pow Wow hosted by Central Michigan Unviersity on March 19, 2016 at McGuirk Arena 360 W Broomfield St, Mt Pleasant, MI. Right: Nathan Issac drums and sings at the 27th annual Pow Wow hosted by Central Michigan University on March 19, 2016 at McGuirk Arena.

A Pow Wow participant watches as adults traditional dancers compete during the CMU Pow Wow on March 19, 2016 at McGuirk Arena.

Left: Melissa Montoya (Center) discusses with her sisters and family what she is looking for in dancers before her Graduation Woodland Special. Montoya, a CMU graduated (2015) wanted to honor those who have continued higher education on March 19, 2016 at McGuirk Arena. Right: Llinana Bennett prepares to participate during the Jingle Dance at the 27th annual Pow Wow on March 19, 2016 at McGuirk Arena.