Desmond Berry is chief executive officer of 7th Legacy, a Traverse City-based firm that offers its services to Native American-owned businesses and tribal governments, but some community members may know him better as co-owner of the restaurants Bay Burrito and Bay Pizzeria in Suttons Bay.
Berry explained that the name of 7th Legacy refers to the Anishinaabek belief that, prior to making an important decision, one should consider its potential impact seven generations down the line.
“We’re taught to look ahead for seven generations when we make decisions today. We’re also taught to remember that we were somebody’s seventh generation — they thought of us. So, the way you live your life is balancing between planning for seven generations in the future, but then honoring those ancestors who planned for you seven generations ago,” Berry said. “Everybody in society understands legacy,” Berry continued. “And that’s what we’re trying to create. We’re trying to create that for our children, our grandchildren, and our community.”
