Andie
Balenger
Andie Balenger (she/her) is the crew leader for the Great Lakes Tribal Conservation Corps and an alumni of Northern Michigan University, where she earned a Master’s degree in the administration of outdoor recreation and nature-based tourism. Her core purpose as an outdoor recreation professional is exploring if and how we can ethically recreate on Indigenous lands. Andie’s research interests are deeply informed by the concept of Two-Eyed Seeing, a framework developed by Mi’kmaw Nation elders Albert and Murdena Marshall. This approach emphasizes the importance of weaving Indigenous and Western perspectives to foster a more holistic understanding of the world.
Sessions with Andie
Leveling Up in the Outdoor Industry
1:15PM-2PM
Back by popular demand, Northern Michigan University students, faculty, and alumni will build on last year’s conversation, which spotlighted NMU’s outdoor-focused degree programs. This year, the focus shifts toward real-world application and next steps, including feedback from outdoor pros on what’s working and missing in leadership prep, creative routes to professional development outside of the classroom, and the potential for meaningful partnerships between outdoor education and Indigenous communities. Swap ideas, share experiences, and walk away with new inspiration (and maybe even a plan) to take your career to the next level.
Winding Trail
Sponsor