Indigenous People’s Day

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Odawa artist extends deceased animals’ purpose “in a good way”

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On a wall in Hank Bailey’s bedroom is a can’t-miss photographic print on a large canvas. Bailey, an Odawa (Ottawa) elder of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, is the unmistakable subject. He’s in his powwow dancing regalia in a “bending of the knees” pose, as the Anishinaabe word for powwow—Jingtamok—translates. Bailey wrote in the Sun in 2017, “I can say without being ashamed that I have been brought to tears during dances. I have felt so good while dancing it seemed like my feet were not even touching the ground.”

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Native American books? What should we read?

October 9 is Indigenous Peoples’ Day—previously observed as Columbus Day—and we pondered which Native American books are authentic, and which ones should we read and teach our children to understand the history and current impact of First Nations peoples in northern Michigan and throughout North America. “I encourage people to ask themselves a few pointed and potentially uncomfortable questions when selecting books,” said Tricia Denton. “Who does the writing, publishing and sale of the book benefit? What perspectives does it portray?” This story also offers a list of Native American- themed books available at Bay Books in Suttons Bay (and other Leelanau County bookstores).

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Grand Traverse Band commemorates Indigenous People’s Day

Come join a special program on Monday, Oct. 1, from 7-9 p.m. at the Eyaawing Museum & Cultural Center celebrating Indigenous People’s Day. Professor Mathew Fletcher, author of The Eagle Returns: The Legal History of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa Indians, will give a presentation on his book. Fletcher is a Professor at Michigan State University’s College of Law and the Director of the Indigenous Law and Policy Center.

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