My grandfather’s grandfather was, I believe, an immigrant. My wife’s grandfather’s father was an immigrant. We are an immigrant couple within the seventh generation principle.
Our ancestors didn’t steal this land, but they bought their pieces of it from those who did.
This I know. This I acknowledge.
Our government, before it was our government, stole this land, and tried to exterminate those who lived here, from whose ancestors the land was stolen.
This I know. This I acknowledge. For this I feel shame.
What should I do, what can I do? More, I believe, than I am doing. Please advise me, someone, please. I wish to know, and do, more before this month is over: American Indian Heritage Month, declared so by our government.
This began as a personal reflection on immigration, became something larger than me, became about a heritage greater than mine.
Larry Mawby Suttons Bay
Editor’s note: Mr. Mawby is a lifelong resident of Suttons Bay with deep roots on the peninsula.
