The Leland Cultural District hosted family-friendly programming on Monday in celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a date marked in Michigan and around the country to uplift Indigenous communities culture, history, and contributions. Early in the afternoon, students from Leland and Northport Public School, as well as members of the public, gathered to watch Dusty Bear dancing and drumming on the Old Art Building (OAB) lawn. More programs throughout the day followed, including an Indigenous Knowledge Film Hour held at the OAB that featured short films by the Leelanau Conservancy; the Kchi Wiikwedong History Marker Project; and a film titled “This Basket is my Ancestor” by the Leelanau Historical Society (LHS). Indigenous food from Tanya Raphael was served, and education opportunities were available, which included free admission to LHS local history exhibits. Indigenous language advocate and author James Vukelich also spoke and held a book signing event at the OAB, sharing his knowledge and insights from his book, “The Seven Generations and The Seven Grandfather Teachings.” Vukelich said Indigenous Peoples’ Day is about celebrating the gifts he’s received from his ancestors as an Indigenous person and then saying “miigwech,” which means “thank you” in Anishinaabemowin, for everything he’s received in life.
“It’s also acknowledging the myriad of gifts they’ve (Indigenous people) given to the entire world,” Vukelich said just before his OAB talk. “Miigwech and thank you so much to the community here for coming out and listening tonight... It has been a privilege to be in this part of Michigan at this time of year, its stunningly beautiful.”
