IU’s First Nations Educational and Cultural Center announced that Michael Ing will serve as the department’s new Interim Director.
Ing is an associate professor of religious studies at IU. According to a statement from the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs, Ing will “continue the good work of the Center going forward.”
The center aims to offer support to American Indian and Indigenous students in their transition to IU, as well as to recognize their academic and personal achievements. This support is provided via campus programs and networks of informational resources that empower students for success.
The Center’s former director, Nicky Belle, recently left the position to take on a new role with the Student Involvement and Leadership Center in the Division of Student Affairs.
“Belle’s involvement in the FNECC has been instrumental in the center’s success,” James Wimbush, vice president for Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural affairs, said in the statement “Belle spearheaded efforts to grow the IU Traditional Powwow and oversaw work to more deeply involve the Bloomington campus in the Big Ten Native Alliance.”
The second Monday in October is now recognized as Indigenous Peoples’ Day at IU Bloomington because of Belle’s recent work.
The FNECC is now in the process of searching for a permanent director.
