Mission and Objectives

Mission

As a tribally controlled community college and land grant institution, the mission of Bay Mills Community College is to provide quality educational opportunities, promote research and facilitate individual development in an accessible, community-based, and culturally diverse environment that supports and maintains the Anishinaabek culture and language.

In carrying out our mission, the BMCC Board of Regents stresses a positive, student-centered atmosphere, which promotes preservation of the customs and beliefs of Native Americans. The curriculum is designed to integrate traditional Native American values with higher education as a way of preparing students to assume responsible roles in their respective communities.

Objectives

To provide the Native American communities of Michigan with educated and trained human resources.
To provide educational opportunities, including academic, research, vocational, basic skill building, cultural and in-service programs leading to appropriate certificates, degrees, and diplomas.
To foster a spirit of pride in Native American language, culture, and history through participation course work and cultural activities.
To provide a qualified, dedicated, student-centered staff and faculty.
To help students attain the necessary skills and self-esteem which will facilitate personal and career fulfillment.
To prepare and encourage all students to pursue advanced degrees.
To provide continuing and community education.

Vision Statement

With learning as its central mission, BMCC prepares students to become productive self-confident and responsible members of an increasingly diverse workforce by providing them with academic, technical, work, and life skills needed for successful transfer into baccalaureate programs or directly into the workforce. By establishing itself as an effective partner alongside other academic institutions, private and public sector employers, and neighboring communities, BMCC will ensure its long-term viability and positive impact on the Upper Great Lakes region. BMCC will work to ensure the viability and sustainability of the language, culture, and way of life of the Anishinaabe people while promoting and emphasizing life-long learning for all students.

Seven Sacred Teachings

The American Indian College Fund awarded Bay Mills Community College (BMCC) funds as part of a Community Awareness Think Indian grant in 2020. These funds allowed BMCC to commission a Bay Mills Tribal Member artist, Kalista Perron, to paint a Seven Sacred Teachings mural in the Michael C. Parish Administration Building. The mural includes voice recordings from BMCC faculty pronouncing the Anishinaabemowin word for each of the seven teachings, as well as voice recordings from BMCC students explaining what the teachings mean to them. It is our hope that the imagery depicted in this mural will promote the vibrancy of Anishinaabe culture, assist in cross-cultural understanding and diversity, and be a source of pride for Bay Mills Community College students, staff, and faculty.