News & Fun in Michigan
Native Americans are the first inhabitants of North America, with diverse cultures, languages, and histories. Their traditions and contributions continue to shape the U.S. today.
In September 1837, Henry Rowe Schoolcraft created a manuscript map of Michigan illustrating Indigenous nations, U.S. Indian agency posts, military forts, and reservations. It reflects the aftermath of the 1836 treaty, detailing tribal bands, populations, and significant geographic changes.
Indigenous Peoples of Michigan, the Anishinabeg, view the White Rock on the edge of the Lake Huron shore as a sacred site. The rock was much, much larger than it appears today. (Which is 2019 is mostly underwater). The Indian ensured that fresh game and food items were placed on the site as an offering. Gitchie Manitou or Great Spirit would recognize the offering by the Anishinabeg as a token of thanks for the bounty and richness of the peninsula.
Ten tales of historical tales from Michigan Indian Tribes that were never taught in school. Several were from Andrew Blackbird’s 1887 book.
The Great Lakes region of North America was home to numerous Native American settlements before European explorers and settlers arrived. These settlements were established by various indigenous tribes and served as centers of trade, culture, and community life.
Native American Heritage Day 2022, is a day to honor the heritage, and culture of American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiian peoples.
Michigan’s Mount Pleasant Indian Industrial Boarding School indoctrinated 300 children each year and ran until 1934. There were also schools in Baraga and Harbor Springs.
For decades, the US took thousands of Native American children and enrolled them in off-reservation boarding schools. In fact, this was government policy to assimilate an entire people by forcibly removing children from their families and indoctrinating them into the Anglo language, religion, and way of life.
Huron County Michigan had an active and vibrant Indian culture with villages along the shore and workshops and gardens in the interior.
Mackinac Island is a popular Michigan destination, now enhanced by interpretive stations highlighting Native American history. Funded by community support, these panels educate visitors on the Anishnaabek tribes’ cultural significance and historical contributions to the region.
