Dozens of people attended various events for Indigenous Peoples’ Day at the Leland Cultural Campus Monday afternoon. Activities centered around honoring and sharing the culture, art, and history of the local Anishinaabek, which began with singers from the drum group Dusty Bear and tribal community dancers performing at the Leland Township Library back lawn.
Later in the afternoon, Tina Frankenberger, vice chair of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians’ (GTB) Natural Resource Committee, spoke in a presentation about treaty and fishing rights in the Old Art Building, which was followed by a ceremony for the Kchi Wiikwedong Anishinaabe History project marker dedication.
Emily Modrall, the history project lead, said the marker, which is made of weathering steel, is one of nine to be installed in the Grand Traverse Region, and is the second one to go into the ground. Seven of the nine markers display teachings on them, while the other two, one of which will be located at Peterson Park in Northport and the other at Clinch Park in Traverse City, summarize the history of the place.
“The idea from the get-go was to create something that gave the history and language of the Kchi Wiikwedong Anishinaabe a bigger presence in the public places in Leelanau County and Grand Traverse County,” Modrall said. “This (temporary) plaque will be replaced in the next couple weeks, and at the same time, the plaques will go on the other markers and they’ll be installed, so at that point I would encourage you to take a tour of Leelanau and Grand Traverse County and go visit all nine of them.”
The marker just outside the Leland Township Library displays the grandfather teaching of respect, or Mnaadendimowin, in both English and Anishinaabemowin.
“Anishinaabek are born knowing our relationship with all of Creation — the earth, water, trees, animals, plants, and human beings. To give respect one must first have selfrespect. Self-respect is learned by accepting and loving ourselves unconditionally. From this place of self-respect, we embrace all life in a loving and respectful manner…” the marker reads. “Use your senses to feel the natural world around you. Think about the life journey of the water, rocks, trees, plants, birds, or the stars. What is respect to them? How are you loving Creation today?”
