Michigan lawmakers have introduced a series of bills known as the "Michigan Indigenous Culture and Heritage Package" aimed at improving the lives of Native Americans in the state.The bills, developed with input from Michigan's Native communities, address various issues affecting Indian Country. They include measures to protect the rights of Indigenous students to wear ceremonial regalia at graduation ceremonies and bring cultural objects to schools, add tribal voices to wildlife management councils, designate wild rice as the state's official native grain, protect pollinators and vital plants, and regulate pesticide use on public land. The bills have received praise from the Michigan Native community. To commemorate the legislation, a powwow ceremony is planned for Michigan Indian Day, and a lobby day will be held to advocate for ongoing support of the bills and future Native issues. The events aim to unite Native communities, celebrate their culture, and educate the next generation to become advocates for Native issues.
