Northern Michigan University will host the 2026 BIPOC Outdoors Summit & Rest Retreat July 27-31. While the events are designed to center the experiences of Black, Indigenous and People of Color in outdoor spaces, everyone is welcome to participate. The emphasis is on creating an environment that fosters belonging, reflection and engagement with nature.
Programming will include outdoor adventures, skills workshops and discussions focused on leadership, wellness and community-building. Attendees will also have access to restorative spaces intended for reflection, connection and self-care.
The summit July 27-28 will feature keynote speakers, breakout sessions and local excursions. Block lodging will be at the Ramada Inn, with bookings encouraged by June 27. General registration is $175 and includes two light breakfasts, two lunches and an evening reception.
Jean Alicia Elster, a 2017 Kresge Fellow and award-winning author whose work brings family oral histories to life through powerful historical fiction, will deliver the first keynote. For more than 40 years, she and her family have returned annually to Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Lance Woods, co-founder of WeRun313, is the other keynote speaker.
On a related note, the summit includes a new 5K run/walk on Monday, July 27, in collaboration with Woods. Registration is $20 for the general public and $5 for NMU students, faculty/staff and alumni. Check-in is at 5 p.m. at the Wildcat statue outside Jamrich Hall and the race starts at 6.
The Rest Retreat July 29-31 will be held at Raging River Campground, with reservations requested by July 1. It features excursions to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Big Bay, along with fly fishing and other campsite activities.
Basic registration of $250 includes a three-day, two-night shared campsite experience—reservations requested by July 1—two breakfasts and two dinners. Participants will need to bring and set up their own camping equipment; rentals are also available.
NMU's Office of Opportunity, Empowerment and People is coordinating the summit and rest retreat. For more information, visit https://nmu.edu/bipoc-outdoors/.