The event is guided by Myriah Williams, M.Ed., a Potawatomi Pokagon Band citizen and ODC’s Cultural Educator. Myriah’s leadership ensures that the programming is accurate, respectful, and rooted in authentic community voice—not a curated presentation about Indigenous culture, but a genuine celebration of it, with Indigenous people at the center.

The Gwénbeshké Celebration is designed to welcome families with young children, adults with a curiosity about regional history, educators looking to deepen their own understanding, and community members who have never visited the Cultural History Center before. It’s also a meaningful gathering point for tribal members and Indigenous families who may be looking for a vetted, culturally affirming space in West Michigan.

The Gwénbeshké Celebration reflects one of ODC Network’s core commitments: that advancing outdoor education means honoring the people who have cared for this land for generations. 

When people learn outdoors, they develop stewardship. When communities gather around shared history, belonging grows. Gwénbeshké is both of those things at once.