The Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan is pleased to welcome Miskopwaaganikwe Leora Tadgerson as Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Leora most recently served as Interim Director at the Student Equity and Engagement Center at Northern Michigan University (NMU). She also teaches Indigenous Studies with the Center for Native American Studies (CNAS) at NMU with a concentration in Anishinaabemowin (Indigenous language of the Great Lakes Region).
Leora has partnered with the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan and the Great Lakes Peace Center for a number of years, serving as a team member for the Walking Together: Finding Common Ground Traveling Exhibit, connecting with survivors of Michigan-based Native American Boarding Schools to share their stories and work toward healing with Indigenous communities. Leora’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. Leora 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.
As Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the Episcopal Diocese in Northern Michigan, Leora 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.
“We, in the Diocese of Northern Michigan, are
committed to the work of racial equity and justice. 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.” said Bishop Rayford Ray.
For further information contact Lydia Kelsey Bucklin, lydia@upepiscopal.org or 906-228-7160.