Echoes of the Earth: Native American Drumming Traditions
Conversation with Daniel Jackson
Moderated by Dr. Kevin Leonard
Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with the MSU Museum and the MSU Native American Institute. Join us for an evening honoring the power of drumming, storytelling, and community. Daniel Jackson, a proud member of the Bear Clan and the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe (SCIT), will share the deep cultural and spiritual significance of Native American drums—exploring how rhythm connects people to tradition, ceremony, and identity.
Following the conversation, enjoy a tasting of traditional Anishinaabe cuisine prepared by Chef Sam Anglin, celebrating the rich flavors and heritage of Native foodways.
Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Time: 5:00 – 7:00PM
Location: WKAR Studio (Room 145, Communication Arts and Sciences Building)
More About Daniel Jackson
Boozhu, my name is Daniel Jackson and Nimkee is my spirit name. I am Bear Clan and a proud member of The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan (SCIT). I reside in Mount Pleasant, MI home to our great tribal nation. Growing up in Mount Pleasant has allowed me to connect to my cultural and raise a family. I have over 25 years of experience working for SCIT in many capacities. I have worked for our Tribal School for 8 years as a language and culture teacher, 2 years as a secondary language specialist, at our immersion school, and currently for our 7th Generation Elijah Elk Cultural Center. I also have a Native Studies Degree obtained from the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College.
My family has been a part of the powwow circle for as long as I can remember. I began learning about the Deweigan/Drum at 10 years old. Continuing my commitment to the drum teachings over the last 37 years I have had the ability to travel all over North America and visit other great Tribal Nations. Attending Powwow’s, round dances, ceremonies and social gatherings like Bagadowe/Lacrosse have been a few of the most influential experiences in my journey. I continue to share what I have learned with my community and others through classes held at our 7th Generation Center on topics that include: Traditional lacrosse stick making, snow shoe workshops, cradle boards and singing practice around the drum for the community. Miigwetch for the opportunity to share a message with all of you today.
More About Dr. Leonard
Kevin P. Leonard, PhD is the director of the Native American Institute in the Office of University Outreach and Engagement at Michigan State University.
Prior to accepting this role, Dr. Leonard served as assistant director of diversity, equity, and inclusion in MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) where he oversaw all diversity, equity, and inclusion programing for the college. Prior to taking on his role in CVM, Leonard served as the senior program coordinator with the Multicultural Business Programs in the Eli Broad College of Business, where he provided academic advising, promoted internship opportunities, coordinated tutorial programs, and supervised a staff of 30 tutors who provided services to minoritized business students.
He has worked across various departments at MSU over the past twenty years, including the Office of Admissions, where he was responsible for building relationships with tribal communities to encourage an increase in the number of Native American applicants to the university.
He has also served as president of EAGLE (Educating Anishinaabe: Giving, Learning, and Empowering) Native Faculty/Staff Association and as an executive board member for CoREM (Coalition of Racial and Ethnic Minorities).
A lifelong Spartan, he earned his bachelor’s degree from the School of Hospitality Business in the Eli Broad College of Business and his master’s and doctorate from the Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education Program in the College of Education.
Over the years, Leonard has received awards for leadership and service from MSU and his community, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. A proud member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, part of the Three Fire Confederacy, Leonard’s Anishinaabe name is Waabshka Mai’ingan (White Wolf) and he is a member of the Migizi Doodem (Eagle Clan). He is also a member of the Native American Advisory Council for the Michigan Diversity Council and an elected member of the Holt Public Schools Board of Trustees and the Delhi Township Park Commission.
Professional interest include:
- Indigenous sovereignty
- Tribal outreach and engagement
- Sustainability
- Collaboration/networking
