Red Lake College Fundraiser/Vendor Appreciation Event Held

Red Lake Nation College hosted a Tribal Vendor Appreciation and Fundraising Kickoff event at the Hampton Inn in Bemidji on Tuesday, May 19, 2014, from 5 to 7 pm.

The Red Lake Nation College (RLNC) was recognizing their tribal business partners while kicking off its effort to raise $7 million in 7 years ("7 in 7" Campaign) to help raise funds to operate the new tribal campus on the Red Lake Indian Reservation. Another goal of the "7 in 7" campaign is to establish a permanent endowment fund for the college. The goal is for 20% of all funds raised through the campaign to be dedicated to the RLNC permanent endowment fund.

Arriving at the Hampton Inn Lakeside Banquet Room, about 50 vendors, business partners, and other friends of education were treated to cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and other refreshments as guests visited for the first hour.

About 7 pm, after thanking all who has supported the college in a variety of ways, Red Lake Nation College President Dan King gave an update on the progress of the new college and tribal government center being built on the shores of Red Lake.

King used a PowerPoint presentation to illustrate the process of building the college and government center. The construction is scheduled to be completed in mid-June, with a move in date scheduled for August 3, 2015.

"The new building will increase educational opportunities and be an accredited school," said King. "The new campus will feature state-of-the-art technology for shared distance learning with other Colleges. The campus will contain a large, multi-purpose Student Union and hold 14 classrooms that includes biology and chemistry labs, and two computer labs."

"The new Tribal College will host a library, tribal archives/library center and study rooms," King continued. "There will be an Ojibwe Language Center and an Ojibwe Language Immersion Head Start and Daycare Center for up to 60 children. Included also is a Student Café, Wellness and Fitness Center, and a Sweat Lodge to promote healthy lifestyles and strong cultural living. The college facilities will be open to the public."

King later described the "7 in 7" capital campaign and recognized staff and the college board of regents members attending before introducing Red Lake Nation College Development Director Eugene "Bugger" McArthur.

McArthur took the podium and announced some good news. The "7 in 7" campaign had reached its May 20 goal of $100,000 with a total of just over $103,000. The ultimate goal for the campaign is to reach $150,000 by early August. McArthur feels very good about reaching that goal.

McArthur also gave an update on the First Red Lake Nation College Fundraiser Golf Tourney to be held on Friday, June 19, 2015 at Castle Highlands Golf Course. Tee Times are at 9 a.m. or 1 p.m. McArthur reported that as of the moment 34 teams had registered for the tourney. Noting that oftentimes teams wait until the last moment to register, McArthur said the event was already a success.

King then introduced Billy Mills (Oglala Lakota) USA's 1964 10K Olympic Gold Medalist (and still America's only 10K Olympic winner) with a video of the race for which Mills won the gold medal.

Mills then gave an inspiring speech about the challenges he faced as a child and young adult up to the time that he won the gold. Mills mother died when he was eight and his father when he was twelve. Mills also spoke of the race describing it in great detail, including a vision he had during the last 100 meters. With symptoms of diabetes starting to rack his body, he found his "wings" and passed the two runners ahead of him and won in an upset.

It's business finished, most attendees stayed around for a bit chatting, snacking, and visiting with Mills who sold and signed posters, books, and a film about Mills accomplishment entitled "Running Brave." All proceeds from the sales went to the college.