News Release
NPS
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Contact: Liz Valencia, 906-369-7146
Contact: Anna Deschampe, 218-475-0123
“An exciting and special day!” was heard many times on the day in August when the Grand Portage Tribal flag went up a new pole to fly beside the US flag at Windigo. Flying the flag in the park honors the significant, long-lasting, and current connection between the Grand Portage Ojibwe and Isle Royale, the place they call Minong, the Good Place.
One first step in recognizing this connection came through the documentation of the island and surrounding waters as a traditional cultural property (TCP) of the Grand Portage tribe. The request to fly the Grand Portage flag in the park came during the 2019 celebration of the TCP designation. Tribal member Butch Deschampe presented the flag to the park Superintendent and asked if the park would be willing to fly it. The answer was yes. It took almost 2 years to gain permission and get beyond the closures of COVID-19 but the flag is finally flying at Isle Royale. Mr. Deschampe had the honor of putting the flag up while the Grand Portage Honor Guard stood at attention and the Stonebridge singers performed a celebration song. Tribal elder David Aubid provided a pipe ceremony and traditional blessing.
During the flag raising ceremony, Tribal chairman Bob Deschampe spoke about the opportunities the flag represents for tribal members to come to the island and connect with the resources. He also noted that the day carried out the vision of Norman Deschampe who worked to bring Grand Portage tribal members back to Isle Royale. Former Grand Portage National Monument Superintendent, Tim Cochrane, who also authored the TCP designation recounted tribal member memories about visiting Isle Royale he discovered as part of his research. Afterwards, the participants all enjoyed a feast.
Reflecting on the event later, Chairman Bob Deschampe said, "the Grand Portage Band's flag flying at the Island, along with the TCP designation affirms the position of the Grand Portage Ojibwe on Minong. We are excited to move forward in tandem with the NPS at Isle Royale National Park."
The flag presents an excellent opportunity to engage Isle Royale visitors in the story of the Grand Portage connection. This summer, park rangers began including a land acknowledgement statement in orientations for visitors. The statement notes that Isle Royale, Minong, is part of the ancestral lands of the Anishinaabe/Ojibwe who have cared for the lands for generations. Park staff from both parks will work together to ensure the story told is accurate and captures the deep historical and current ties to the island and waters that draw tribal members.
Last updated: October 8, 2021