Author James Vukelich Kaagegaabaw Meets With Rural Workforce Alliance Members to Discuss Living Well and Leading With Respect

Members of the Regional Workforce Alliance had a special guest at their July meeting. James Vukelich Kaagegaabaw, author, speaker, and digital creator, met with attendees to talk about lessons from his new book, The Seven Generations and The Seven Grandfather Teachings.

Vukelich Kaagegaabaw attended the meeting as part of the diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts by Rural Minnesota Central Employment Program (CEP). Attendees were eager to learn about his heritage as a descendant of Turtle Mountain, but Vukelich Kaagegaabaw also touched on big ideas that relate to Rural Minnesota CEP’s work.  

“James's insightful presentation on his book reminded us of the profound impact our actions today can have on future generations,” says Christine Kirschbaum, Regional Coordinator at Rural Minnesota CEP.

Here are a few key highlights from his presentation.

Our Work Today Impacts the Citizens of Tomorrow

Our actions today will directly impact future generations, for better or worse. Vukelich Kaagegaabaw encouraged attendees to be mindful of what they do in the present because positive actions can lay the foundation for good things to come in the future.

This closely aligns with the values at Rural Minnesota CEP. Our programs help people establish their careers in the near future, but that’s only the first step for many families. Our efforts have the potential to support future generations by helping people better provide for their families today.  

Understanding Starts With Respecting Diverse Perspectives

Vukelich Kaagegaabaw has a unique background, and he was happy to discuss his culture with attendees at the Regional Workforce Alliance meeting. Vukelich Kaagegaabaw uses his heritage to highlight how he might have different perspectives than others, but that doesn’t mean one viewpoint is more valid. Respect and compassion start when people focus less on their differences and more on reaching a point of mutual understanding.

“James’s teachings about the interconnectedness of all beings align closely with our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion,” says Kirschbaum. “His message makes us think about the importance of understanding and respecting diverse perspectives and experiences.”  

Seeking to understand others is a way to show respect. It creates an opportunity to express compassion rather than judgment. These are all values that guide staff members at Rural Minnesota CEP. 

A Willingness to Learn and Grow Can Lead to Inner Peace 

Vukelich Kaagegaabaw is also an advocate for “mino-bimaadiziwin” also known as the good life. This is a life well-lived with peace, balance, and personal growth. He encouraged attendees to embrace ancestral knowledge and a continuous curiosity about the world around them. There is always something new to learn or a lesson that can be taken from today’s events. These are the teachings of the Anishinaabe and Ojibwe people.

Finally, he highlighted the importance of protecting our most precious assets: the natural world around us and the languages we use to form connections and share information from one generation to the next. Vukelich Kaagegaabaw is a vocal advocate for the environment and is part of the Ojibwe Language Dictionary Project. 

Learn How We Apply Vukelich Kaagegaabaw’s Message to Our Programs

Rural Minnesota CEP has been a staple in the community for more than 50 years. We help students prepare for the workforce and give adults opportunities to retrain or advance their careers. Our team at Rural Minnesota CEP is eager to help people from all backgrounds and support their visions for the future. Listening to James Vukelich Kaagegaabaw gave our team a moment to step back, reflect on our mission, and commit to moving forward with compassion.

Our team at Rural Minnesota CEP is here to help you. Contact us today and tell us about your goals for the future.