MARQUETTE — Northern Michigan University’s 18th annual UNITED Conference will be held March 17-18 in the Northern Center.

It revolves around the theme “Voices of the Earth: Learning, Leading and Advancing Equity Together.” Keynote speakers and presentations are Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, author of this year’s NMU Diversity Common Reader Program selection, “As We Have Always Done”; RJ Smith of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, who will address the traditional Anishinaabe game Bagodowe, or lacrosse; and an Anishinaabe theatrical performance.

The conference will also feature breakout sessions on a variety of topics, including some led by students; an optional paid dinner/dance, a Poetry Without Borders event and the NMU WellBeing Health Fair.

The schedule follows. All events are free unless otherwise noted, and those that include a meal (indicated with an asterisk) require advance registration by March 13 at nmu.edu/united/.

Monday, March 17:

8:50-10 a.m. General session presentation by RJ Smith on the traditional Anishinaabe game Bagodowe, or lacrosse

11:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m.* Decolonizing Diet luncheon featuring pecan-crusted whitefish, cranberry wild rice, bison and ground beef meatloaf and maple-glazed sweet potato, served while Leanne Betasamosake Simpson discusses her book, “As We Have Always Done.”

2:15-4:30 p.m. UNITED breakout sessions

4:45-7:15 p.m. Bagodowe Exhibition Game at the Superior Dome, with RJ Smith presenting to the NMU Wildcat women’s lacrosse team, along with the men’s and women’s club lacrosse teams

5:30-7:30 p.m.* Optional dinner and Rhythm of Unity dance, featuring Southern-style soul food of fried chicken, brisket, collard greens and baked macaroni and cheese, followed by dance music from DJ Greg Sandell. $35 per person.

Tuesday, March 18:

7:30-8:45 a.m.* Professional networking breakfast mixer with Southern-style favorites grits, bacon and biscuits with sausage gravy.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. NMU WellBeing Health Fair

10:15-11:15 a.m. UNITED breakout sessions

11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.* Lunch with an Anishinaabe theatrical performance presented by Shannon Epplett (Sault Ste. Marie) and Sam Aros-Mitchell (Yaquil)

1-5:30 UNITED Conference Breakout Sessions

5:30-6:45 p.m. Poetry Without Borders