At Rathbun Insurance, we believe that being there matters most—not just in insurance but in understanding and connecting with the community we serve. This belief recently took us to The Nokomis Cultural Heritage Center in Okemos, where our team had the privilege of immersing ourselves in the rich history, traditions, and teachings of the Anishinaabe people—Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi Nations.

Founded in 1989 as the Nokomis Learning Center, this non-profit organization was built by dedicated individuals with the mission of preserving the history, culture, arts, and language of the Anishinaabe people of the Great Lakes region. In 2019, the name was changed to The Nokomis Cultural Heritage Center to better reflect its evolving mission and impact. Today, it continues to educate and inspire through programs, exhibitions, educational teachings, and special events.

Our visit was guided by John Ostrander, Executive Director of the Center, who took us on a deep dive into the history of our area and the Anishinaabe people. Through his storytelling and knowledge, we gained a greater appreciation of the enduring strength, wisdom, and traditions of Indigenous communities.

At the heart of our experience were the 7 Grandfather Teachings, which serve as guiding principles for the Anishinaabe way of life:

Love – To know peace and show kindness.
Respect – To honor all people and living things.
Bravery – To face challenges with courage.
Honesty – To be true to oneself and others.
Humility – To recognize our place in the world.
Truth – To live authentically and with integrity.
Wisdom – To apply knowledge and experiences for the good of all.

These teachings resonate deeply with our own values at Rathbun Insurance—especially as we work to support and protect the people in our community.

From learning about local Indigenous history to reflecting on how these teachings apply to our daily lives, this field trip was a powerful reminder that understanding our community’s past helps us build a stronger, more inclusive future.

We are grateful for the opportunity to visit The Nokomis Cultural Heritage Center and look forward to finding more ways to honor and support our diverse neighbors. If you’re looking for an engaging and educational experience, we highly recommend visiting the center to explore the incredible history and teachings of the Anishinaabe people.

Thank you to John Ostrander and the entire Nokomis team for sharing their knowledge and passion with us!