The following is an excerpt from “A History of Leelanau Township” published by the Leelanau Township Historical Writers Group.
There was only one known established Chippewa village on the eastern side of Leelanau Township when Rev. Smith arrived. Shabwasung’s bend of 10 families lived in what is known as Omena Point.
In 1836, the Ottawa and Chippewa Indians ceded a large area of land, including northwestern Michigan— from the Grand River to the Chocolate River in the Upper Peninsula — the to United States with the provision that they be allowed to remain, using the area for hunting and fishing privileges, for at least five years or until land was required for settlement. This treaty also provided for many annuities; among these were the government’s pledge to assist missionaries, teachers and farmers to further educate the Indians in the area.
