The Building Strong Sovereign Nations (BSSN) program supports tribal efforts to build strong communities, organizations and governments. The idea of a BSSN program was originally developed by Michigan Tribal leaders who wanted to collaborate with MSU Extension to create a capacity building training curriculum based on the needs identified by tribal stakeholders for current and future generations.

BSSN participants will engage in discussion relating to the ethics, roles and responsibilities of tribal council, fiscal management in Indian Country, best practices for conducting effective meetings, and gain a historical overview of tribes in Michigan and their interaction with state and federal governments. This program offers workshops based on various aspects of tribal governance but also provides an opportunity for tribal leadership to ask questions and learn how other tribal governments address the issues and concern of their communities. Through this training, tribal leaders are empowered to share their successes and challenges with each other so they are better equipped to make positive changes in their communities.

This year the BSSN program will be conducted in conjunction with the United Tribes of Michigan conference at the Gun Lake Casino, 1123 129th Avenue, Wayland, Michigan 49348. The BSSN program will take place Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2017 from 1- 5 p.m. (Eastern Time). The cost of the program is $80 and includes printed handouts and supporting materials.