The past generations of a specific society are expected to transfer inheritable assets (tangible or intangible) to new ones. These assets are called cultural heritage, which can be in different forms, including monuments, buildings, artifacts, language, art, and knowledge. As far as Michigan’s history is concerned, its foundation could be traced to the Native American tribes that once dwelled on the soil. We found nine unique Native American museums in Michigan that have collections to preserve the cultural heritage of these tribes and what their significant roles have been in Michigan’s history.
Feature Image – Five Ojibwa Indians: man, woman, and three children in a canoe. – Library of Congress
What We Will Cover
Are you interested in knowing about the cultural heritage of the Native Americans in Michigan? The most important places that help with our exploration are the Native American Museums in Michigan. These museums offer all you need to know about the subject matter. In this article, we’ll unveil the rich cultural heritage of the Native American tribes and the influence they have. Keep reading.
The Rich Cultural Heritage of Native American Tribes in Michigan
As an online casino player, you must visit https://www.slotozilla.com/uk/ or other reputable sites to get the best of what you want. Likewise, the best places to know more about the rich culture of the Native American tribes are the Native American museums in Michigan. So, where are the right places to check to know about the Native American culture and history?
Museum of Ojibwa Culture
The Museum of Ojibwa Culture is at St. Ignace. Here, you will learn about when (the late 17th century) the Ojibwa, Odawa, and Huron Tribes met the French settlers. The museum also has the culture and traditions of the Ojibwa Tribe and the architectural designs that the Native Americans used.
Straits Cultural Center (Fort de Baude Museum)
Straits Cultural Center is also located at St. Ignace. Here, you will see several artefacts that were once used by the Native American tribes. The museum is doing its best to preserve this heritage for years to come.
Drummond Island Historical Museum
Drummond Island Historical Museum could be described as a building containing extensive information about Native American life (going back more than a millennium). Here, you will see several artefacts with breathtaking old dates, like 200 BCE.
Mackinac Island Native American Museum
For years, the Biddle House held the Mackinac Island Native American Museum has been attracting history lovers and visitors worldwide. The museum was strategically positioned where Agatha (an Anishinabek woman) and Edward Biddle once owned. Those who visit enjoy seeing live cooking displays and costumed interpreters.
Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians Interpretive Center
Based in Sault Ste Marie, the Ojibwe Learning Center and Library has been maintained for years by tribe members. The museum contains items loaned or voluntarily given by tribal families and members. Those who visit learn about the cultural relevance and how significant these items are to the family that offered them.
Dennos Museum Center
Dennos Museum Center – Cedar777, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
You will learn much about the Native American tribes by visiting the Dennos Museum Center in Traverse City, Michigan. Here, you will see an extensive collection of Inuit art. It houses over 1,600 works of art made by the Inuit people. Besides, you will see the works of the Native Americans from the 20th century.
Grand Rapids Public Museum
John Eisenschenk, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
At the Grand Rapids Public Museum, you will see incredible exhibits. The museum stresses the story of the Anishinabek people.
- Clothing
- Decor
- Weapons
- Jewellery
- Tools
You will have access to several wonderful heritage of the Native Americans.
Michigan History Museum
Michigan Library and History Museum houses the history of the Great Lakes State. Here, you will learn about the first inhabitants of Michigan (the Anishinabe Tribe). In addition, the museum offers knowledge about how the Native Americans lived thousands of years before the birth of Michigan.
Nokomis Cultural Heritage Center
The Nokomis Cultural Heritage Center was established to preserve, protect, and advocate for the Anishinaabe Tribes, including the Ojibwa, Potawatomi, and Odawa people. The initiative of the cultural center includes such activities as:
- Ribbon skirt making
- Medicine planting
- Drum making
Visitors will enjoy programming that relates to art, language, and more.
The Influence of Native American Culture
The Native American culture has immensely contributed to the development of the present-day American culture by influencing several things within the immediate society.
The Influence on Agriculture
Regarding Michigan and the United States, agriculture is incredibly influenced by the Native American culture. The native tribes passed significant agricultural knowledge to the early European settlers unfamiliar with the farming system. The impact could be seen in the cultivation of corn (a staple crop for the Native American tribes) in the United States.
Influence on Travel
Just about every significant road and highway in Michigan was once an Indian trail. This network of trails stretches from the northern Great Lakes to the eastern seaboard and south toward Mexico. They were the routes for seasonal migration to prime hunting and fishing areas and trade with other tribes. With the coming of European explorers, these routes became highways for settlement.
The Influence on Language
Native Americans influence the English Language. Records have shown numerous words (more than 2000) in the English language originating from Native American words. In addition, several names of states, cities, regions, animals, weather phenomena, and plants used today in Michigan and some other parts of the United States emanate from Native American words.
The Influence on the Governmental Structures
The Native American cultures also Influence the governmental structures. A good example is how the Iroquois leaders insisted that Benjamin Franklin and other leaders come up with a representative government that was strong and centralised (Iroquois model). This occurred when the Iroquois leaders could no longer handle the frustration of trading with the individual colonies of the US. The U.S. adopted the model, the bald eagle, and the symbol of the Iroquois.
Final Thoughts on Native American Museums in Michigan
The Native American cultural heritage is duly preserved. From the vibrant art and crafts to the preservation of ancient customs, Michigan stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Native American tribes. And this rich heritage has contributed significantly to the history of Michigan and that of the United States.
