Ozaawaanakwad, known in English as James Clark, is a dedicated advocate for the preservation and revitalization of the Ojibwe language and culture. A descendant of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, he has committed his career to ensuring that Anishinaabe heritage thrives for future generations.

Educational Background

James holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in both American Indian Studies and History from the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD), graduating in 2020. During his time at UMD, he also pursued a Museum Studies Certificate, equipping him with the skills necessary for cultural preservation and curation. He is currently seeking a Masters in Cultural Administration from the Institute of American Indian Arts, furthering his commitment to the preservation of Indigenous knowledge and cultural resources. Planning to start a PhD program in the fall of 2026 in American Indian studies at UMN to document the Mille Lacs Bands entire history.

Professional Contributions
• Ojibwe Language and Cultural Revitalization: After completing his undergraduate studies, James returned to the Mille Lacs Reservation, where he engaged in projects focused on language and cultural revitalization. His work with the AmeriCorps program allowed him to deepen his proficiency in Ojibwemowin and actively participate in initiatives aimed at preserving the language.
• Collaboration with Elders: Recognizing the invaluable knowledge held by community Elders, James has worked closely with them to document oral histories, traditional practices, and linguistic nuances. This collaboration ensures that the wisdom of the Elders is preserved and accessible to future generations.
• Archival Work: In his role as Band Archivist for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, James was responsible for preserving historical documents, recordings, and artifacts. His efforts focused on maintaining the integrity of these materials while making them available for educational and cultural purposes.

Current Endeavors

James continues to collaborate with educational institutions, including the Nay Ah Shing School District and UMD, to promote Ojibwe language education. His work with Rosetta Stone has also contributed to the development of accessible language learning resources, further supporting the revitalization of Ojibwemowin.

Through his unwavering dedication, Ozaawaanakwad exemplifies the profound connection between language, culture, and identity, striving to empower his community and honor the legacy of the Anishinaabe people.