Opening General Session Keynote Speaker

Ignite Your Annual Session Experience 
Finding Our Spark: Traditional Approaches to Cultural Health Literacy
Opening Keynote by Joseph V. Sowmick, Hon Ph.D.
Monday, October 20, 2025 | Grand Rapids, Michigan

Begin your Annual Session journey with a transformative exploration of cultural wisdom and its profound implications for Extension work. Dr. Joseph V. Sowmick, Public Relations Manager for the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, brings centuries-old teachings into dialogue with modern Extension challenges.

Through the powerful metaphor of sacred fire, discover how traditional wisdom can revolutionize your approach to community engagement and program development. This immersive session weaves together ancient knowledge with contemporary Extension practice, offering fresh perspectives on cultural health literacy.

Journey Through the Medicine Wheel

  • Explore how traditional teachings can spark innovative approaches to community engagement
  • Learn sustainable practices for developing culturally responsive programs
  • Discover methods to revitalize existing initiatives through indigenous wisdom

Meet Your Guide

Dr. Sowmick, a Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Elder and award-winning photojournalist, brings 28 years of experience bridging cultural traditions with modern communication approaches. His distinguished career spans healthcare leadership, higher education governance, and public service, recognized by Michigan Governors and honored with a Doctorate in Public Service Administration from Central Michigan University.

His service includes:

  • Central Michigan Community Hospital Board/McLaren Health System
  • Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Health Board
  • Isabella County Economic Development Board
  • Region VII AAA Board of Directors

Michigan State University graduate and alumnus of prestigious leadership programs, Dr. Sowmick's unique perspective will illuminate new pathways for Extension educators seeking to deepen their community impact.