The Menomini Lifeways Institute (MLI) is a 12-month language and lifeways acquisition program. Participants develop their Menomini language proficiency through a blend of classroom instruction, immersive experiences, community engagement, and hands on cultural activities, all guided by nature’s 13 moon annual cycle. Throughout the program participants engage in activities such as harvesting and processing maple syrup, wild rice, wild foods, wild game, medicinal plants, and garden produce. These experiences are designed to deepen both language skills and cultural understanding. Additionally, the program design includes elder presentations, trips to significant locations, Menomini history, and modern life skills building.

We graduated our inaugural cohort in August of 2025 and will graduate our second cohort in August of 2026.

Timeframe: The 2026/2027 MLI Cohort will run from August 10, 2026, through the first week of August 2027.

Schedule: MLI runs Monday through Thursday, from 9:00am to 3:00pm.

Location: Waqsecewan Language Campus however we also have off location activities.

Compensation: MLI participants are part time employees of Menomini yoU and are compensated at $15 per hour for 24 hours per week.

How to apply: MLI 2026/2027 Cohort Applications will open from June 8, 2026 – June 22, 2026.