Arts Center features history of Anishinaabek people

From staff reports

JoAnne Cook, a practicing attorney and past vice president of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa/Chippewa Indians, teaches the history of her people, and specializes in making this history relevant for non-native audiences. Cook comes to the Glen Arbor Arts Center with insights into the Anishinaabek people past and present on July 11 at 10 am. This program is open to the public at no charge.

The Anishinaabek people lived and thrived for thousands of years before first European contact in the Great Lakes regions of what are now known as Canada and the United States. Cook believes tradition and culture is vital to the Anishinaabek way of life, and provides a look into how Anishinaabek life is nurtured and restored in modern times. She has presented to various communities on the way of life and culture of the Odawa. In addition, Cook previously taught Business Law for Northwestern Michigan College (NMC), and a course at NMC Extended Educatio, titled “Native Law and Culture.” JoAnne is currently teaching a short course, “History of the Anishinaabek” for Northwestern Michigan College Extended Education. She lives in Peshawbestown.

This program is offered as part of the GAAC’s exhibition “New Views: Home/Place,” an exploration of home and place identity. The exhibition runs from June 7-August 8 at the GAAC gallery, 6031 S. Lake St., Glen Arbor. For more information visit GlenArborArt.org.