Historical dinner to take place at Ziibiwing

Observer Staff

8/16/2005 12:00:00 AM

In commemoration of the 1855 treaty signing between the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan and the United States, the Ziibiwing Center of Anishinabe Culture & Lifeways will host a dinner on Aug. 2 at 6 p.m.

"It is important to recognize this major event in our Tribe's history," stated Ziibiwing Center Director Bonnie Ekdahl. "We also want to honor our ancestors who were able to negotiate our stay here in Michigan. There was a major effort during that time to relocate Tribes to lands west of the Mississippi during that time."

The event includes a traditional feast, enteratainemnt and a special gift for all those in attendance. Attire is semi-formal or traditional/time period dress. Tickets are $35 per person and seating is limited. For more information about the 150th anniversary dinner, call (989) 775-4750.

Organizers also plan on having a document at the dinner where descendants of the treaty signers can sign their names below their ancestors' name.

The Aug. 2, 1855 document was signed by 10 chiefs of the Saginaw Bands; as well as two chiefs and 10 headman from the Swan Creek and Black River Bands. All acknowledged the document by signing an "X."