On September 10th, over 80 students, staff, and community members gathered at the EQI Fire Circle for an afternoon of connection, storytelling, and shared nourishment at the Fire Circle Soup event—co-hosted by the American Indian Student Center and the Electa Quinney Institute for American Indian Education.
The event featured two soups styled after the “Stone Soup” story tradition; the ingredients were contributed by staff from both offices or harvested from our on-campus Indigenous gardens, including beans and squash from the Three Sisters plantings. The soup preparation, serving, and cleanup were supported by Indigenous Kinship and Responsibility scholars, whose efforts helped bring the event to life. Attendees also enjoyed Oneida Strawberry Drink, adding a sweet touch to the meal.
The atmosphere was filled with laughter, warmth, and a strong sense of community. Conversations flowed easily around the fire, creating space for new connections and shared stories. The event wasn’t just about the food; it was about being in community and sharing space – physical and emotional – with one another, something that’s often hard to come by in the busy rhythm of campus life.
Fire Circle Soup is part of our broader effort to foster cross-campus relationships and create open, welcoming spaces for students and staff to gather. By centering food, culture, and community thrive, making the event a powerful reminder of how shared meals and traditions can foster feelings of belonging, spark meaningful conversations, and build bridges across campus. It highlights the importance of shared responsibility and kinship, not only in the preparation and serving of the soup, but also in the way people show up for one another embodying the tradition of community.
Looking ahead, all are invited to our Community Feast on October 16th, starting at 4:00p.m. where founding members and supporters of the American Indian Student Association will be welcomed to share the history and creation of the student organization.
Offices or groups interested in co-hosting a future Fire Circle Soup are encouraged to reach out to Breann Clark (clark449@uwm.edu) for more information.