VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The 2025 Autumnal Equinox will be observed at Medicine Wheel Park 7PM, Monday, September 22nd, featuring Ricky White, who will be speaking on the significance of Medicine Wheels to Native Peoples, sharing their ancient wisdom that speaks through the stones as we witness the first day of Fall.
Ricky White (Niigonanakud), is Anishinaabe from Whitefish Bay First Nations in Ontario, Canada. He is Pizhew or Lynx Clan and a lifetime member of the renowned drum group, “the Whitefish Bay Singers.” As a result of growing up on an isolated reservation, Ricky retained deep knowledge of the Anishinaabe language and culture, and those teachings continue to guide his spirit and work today.
Over the last 22 years, Ricky has served as an Ojibwe Language and Culture Teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal, Executive Director of Education, and Superintendent of Schools. He participated in top-level professional development, focusing particularly on school improvement, fostering a positive school environment, and engaging students who present challenges for our education systems. Ricky has shifted his professional career to strategically sharing the blueprints of best practices for student success and working to help turn around schools, programs, and communities. He started a consulting company, fittingly called “First Nations Consultants,” and is now sharing his strategies all over Canada and the United States to inspire and unite his methods and messages for enhancing the educational experience for all involved. Ricky’s accomplishments go far beyond schools and classrooms. He was chosen as the prospective leader of the Anishinaabe Nation of Treaty #3 in 1989. Later, he received recognition as Minnesota Indian Education Teacher of the Year in 2001, followed by Minnesota Indian Education Administrator of the Year in 2013. Ricky is a skilled public speaker, frequently asked to host pow-wows, conferences, gatherings, keynote events, as well as radio and television programs. Proud to serve and help others, he willingly shares his insight and wisdom with everyone.
This is a free and open event to all. Remember to bring bug spray. Medicine Wheel Park is at 205 Winter Show Road SE, Valley City, ND. For more information, contact Wes Anderson, 701-845-0966.