Learning, celebrating OJIBWE WOMEN'S HISTORY

By Molly Ovenden

Michele Hakala-Beeksma is a member of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe. She’s on the Board of Governors and American Indian Advisory Committee for the St. Louis Historical Society, while also working full time for the 1854 Treaty Authority.

History has always interested Beeksma and she has a desire to educate the public about Ojibwe history and culture and correct common misconceptions.

“The more you know and understand about each other (will) build up the level of respect” as well as help with issues of stereotypes and racism, she said.

With the Historical Society, Beeksma advises on the portrayal of Ojibwe history and ensures the correct wording is used in education and exhibits. Recently, she’s created resources inspired by local teachers’ requests for guidance with Ojibwe-themed lessons. These learning guides are available to the public on the St. Louis County Historical Society website.

“They’re meant to be widely shared,” Beeksma said, reflecting on how fun they’ve been to create.

The 1854 Treaty is what ceded the Arrowhead region, spanning across the Duluth area, into Pine County, north toward International Falls, vaguely bordering Highway 53 and eastward to Grand Portage.

The treaty ensured that tribes reserve the right to hunt, fish and gather.

“It wasn’t a right given to them, it was preserved,” she said.

With conservation officers and a large resource management division, the 1854 Treaty Authority regulates the treaty and various aspects in the natural world, including animals, aquatic plants and invasive species, and wider environmental issues, like climate change.

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