Michelle Saboo, M.S.W.

Michelle Saboo (Namadabiwin Gaagaagi) is a citizen of the Bay Mills Indian Community. She currently serves as the Dean of Students at Gaa’Oziskwaajimekaag Gabe-Gikendaasoowigamig (Leech Lake Tribal College) with a team of dedicated staff and faculty to provide quality programming that advances the Anishinaabe worldview.

Michelle is an advocate for educational access for Indigenous students and has worked in a variety of areas in education, including pre-college programming, multicultural affairs, admissions, and academic advising. In her work at Leech Lake Tribal College she directs a comprehensive student services program that works to broaden the lens of how student success is viewed and achieved.

Through prioritizing Anishinaabe gikendaasowin (knowing), izhichigewin (doing), enawendiwin (relating), and gidakiiminaan (connecting to the land), Michelle believes that the route to student success is possible by supporting students in a holistic manner. She knows that our Indigenous nations can become as healthy as they were prior to colonization. For our nations to thrive, we must support one another to thrive as students, parents, families, and communities.

Michelle received her Bachelor of Arts in American Culture with an emphasis in Native American studies and her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Michigan. She currently resides in Bemijigamaag with her partner and two children.