Group raising funds to fence in Oscoda Indian cemetery
Scott Csernyik
2/18/2003 12:00:00 AM
It's all about honor and respect.
The Anishnabe Ogitchedaw Veteran and Warrior Society are hoping to raise $6,000 by May 1 to sponsor a veterans' memorial and fence at the Oscoda Indian Mission Cemetery.
The two-acre site, located off of U.S. 41 adjacent to the Huron National Forest, is being ravaged by recreational vehicles and a fence is desperately needed around the area.
Richard Nahgahgwon has been taking care of the cemetery since he retired from MichCon in 1997. He lives about 35 miles from the cemetery and said said part of the problem is that the site is part of a well-traveled road.
"I got the time, they are my people," he explained. "I'm taking care of the cemetery the best I can. It is really in need of a fence. There isn't any vandalism going on, but people do leave trash there."
Besides the veterans group, the Oscoda Indian Mission Monument Fund is also sponsored by the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan. The project is the first of its kind and organizers are optimistic the community will supportive of the venture.
"We got involved because people from the local community asked us for help," stated Okima I Harold Gould. "We want to secure the area by putting a fence up and also have a monument there to commemorate all of the Native American veterans who are buried in the cemetery. We're there to help the local community. It's their ancestors that are buried there and we want to help them."
Gould said the local veterans group conducted a summer feast and retreat at the site. He added there's about 17 veterans from World War I and II buried there.
To help assist with the endeavor contact the following Memorial Fund Committee members: Eugene Ives, Sgt.-At-Arms, (989) 463-5519; Roger Williams, member, (989) 775-4086; Robert Wabagkeck, member, (989) 739-1258; and Amy F. Alberts, community member, (989) 775-4017; as well as project coordinators Nahgahgwon, (989) 728-7575 and Clarence Squanda, (989) 753-2004.