Jun 26 2009
Native American Pow Wow This Weekend: Tecumseh
As our area continues to “green” itself, I think that it is time to begin to remember the great influence of Native Americans on our overall history and culture. And a few things lead me to this idea.
First, our area has several historic sites that are badly in need of better interpretation. Much of the area around Dundee was once a Native American reservation. There is a Potawatomi burial ground and defunct settlement location near that village. And that is the same general tribe that is opening a casino near Battle Creek on I-94 and creating a police force in a recently-recognized SW Michigan reservation. I think that it would be excellent if some community connections could be made with this tribe to help bring this aspect of history to greater knowledge among Monroe’s residents and visitors.
Second, the new River Raisin Battlefield National Park is intended to educate about an event with a high degree of Native American content. And it seems to me that there is quite a bit of ambiguity involved with the role of Native Americans in the event. One can look at that involvement as being bloodthirsty, given the massacre of Frenchtown residents. But one can also look at the event as a larger skirmish in battle by Tecumseh and others to protect a Native American homeland east off the Mississippi. That complex understanding will not be achieved without a true Native American contribution to Monroe’s battlefield plan.
A secondary consideration is tourism value. The River Raisin Battlefield will pack a larger punch if it is paired with potential visits to the Potowatomi/Potawatomi casino, reservation and local Native American historic sites.
Other sites need Native American input. One of Tecumseh’s bravest moments occured in his defeat of a far superior American force at the Battle of Brownstown. Yet, there is only a modest monument at the site. Indian Island, in North Maumee Bay, is a significant archaeological site. I would love to learn more about these places.
Finally, every once in awhile I run into Native Americans who are also area residents. One owns a barber shop in Britton. I ran into another Native American while recycling some boxes in Adrian Township. The idea that Native Americans simply left our area is a limited view. There are likely as many Native Americans in our region now as there ever were. It would be great if this population was more visible, especially because it’s a tradition that impacts every piece of land that we walk on in this region.
This weekend, the City of Tecumseh hosts one of the few truly Native American events in our region. The Leh-Nah-Weh Native American Organization hosts its annual pow wow at Cal-Zorn Park. It runs both Saturday and Sunday and there really aren’t opening and closing times. I stopped in about an hour ago and the park is basically turning into a village. Fireworks will be held Saturday. So, as you plan the weekend, keep it in mind.
Note: Photography in situations related to Native American culture can be sensitive. These photos were taken after gaining permission by event organizers.
Note #2: According to Wikipedia, the Battle of Brownstown happened close to the current site of Gibraltar Carlson High School. Much of that land has just been deeded to the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. Perhaps the battlefield plan could include interpretive activities at that location.