Renita Longknife

Visiting Scholar Week: September 22 – 26

Renita Longknife, a Nakoda educator and cultural knowledge keeper, lives at the Agency on the Fort Belknap Reservation. At 72, she is the proud mother of her daughter Lori, adopted daughter Emerald, her late son Adam, and adopted sons Tuffy, Lil John, and Cowboy. She is also blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who bring joy and purpose to her life.

After 39 and a half years of service with the Indian Health Service as a Social Work Aide and Traditional Healer/Counselor, Renita retired and now serves as the Cultural Coordinator for the Fort Belknap Tiwahe Program. Deeply rooted in her spirituality, she actively participates in Nakoda and Aaniiih ceremonies, carrying forward and teaching traditional ways of life.

 

Note: All listed office hours are available for faculty and departments to invite the elder.

Sunday, September 21st

  • Travel day to MSU Billings

Monday, September 22nd

  • 10:00 AM – NAAC Office Hours
  • 10:30 AM – Native American Studies Class Visit
  • 11:50 AM – Walk to Cafeteria for Lunch
  • 1:00 PM – NAAC Office Hours
  • 3:00 PM – Faculty Presentation, Native American Achievement Center, Understanding the Sweat Lodge: Teachings for Faculty & Staff
  • 6:00 PM – Dinner with All Nations & AI Dorm Students

Tuesday, September 23rd

  • 10:00 AM – NAAC Office Hours
  • 11:50 AM – Walk to Cafeteria for Lunch
  • Break
  • 2:00 PM – NAAC Office Hours
  • 3:00–4:00 PM – Introduction to the Sweat Lodge

Wednesday, September 24th

  • 11:00 AM – NAAC Office Hours
  • 12:00 PM – NAAC Potluck & Talking Circle
  • Break
  • 2:00–4:00 PM – NAAC Office Hours
  • 6:00 PM – Dinner with All Nations & AI Dorm Students

Thursday, September 25th

  • 10:00–11:00 AM – City College Meet & Greet with Faculty & Students
  • 11:30 AM – Travel back to Main Campus for Lunch
  • Break
  • 2:00–4:00 PM – NAAC Office Hours

Friday, September 26th

  • 10:00–11:00 AM – Feedback Discussion (open to everyone)
  • 11:00 AM–1:00 PM – Lunch at NAAC & Gift Presentation (open to everyone)
  • 1:00 PM – Travel