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.
