Center to enlighten the world on heritage and history of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe

Observer Staff

1/15/2004 12:00:00 AM

Their mission is to provide an enriched and diversified educational experience at the Ziibiwing Center of Anishinabe Culture & Lifeways.

Slated to open in the spring, the 32,000-square-foot facility located at 6650 East Broadway in Mt. Pleasant, will feature programs that gives hands-on and interactive instruction designed to help better understand the Anishinabe people.

Diba Jimooyung (telling our story) is the name of the center's permanent exhibit. It tells the story of the original people of the Great Lakes. Woven throughout the exhibit are the Seven Prophecies, which are unique to the culture.

Through the use of artifacts, computer technology, contemporary and traditional art, dioramas, government documents, multi-media, treaties and video productions, Diba Jimooyung presents a celebration of survival, a spirit of sovereignty and a message of hope for all people of the world.

The center will offer state-of-the-art amenities and facilities conducive to gathering and learning. Anishinabe principles and thought infused the concept and design of the Ziibiwing Center.

"Our goal is to make the new Ziibiwing Center a special place for many people by combining the best of the past, the present and future of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe," stated Ziibiwing Cultural Society Director Bonnie Ekdahl. "We will be worthy guardians of our treasured heritage and accept the challenge of taking our beautiful culture into the future."

Ekdahl, who was part of the initial cultural preservation efforts over a decade ago, said she is very excited about the center. A museum, as well as a historical and cultural research center were two of several priorities identified by the grassroots group which eventually became the ZCS.

"The dreams of all those people who planned for this will finally be realized," she added. "We are really, really grateful to be where we are today. We always strive to be fiscally responsible and are also thankful for all the support we have received from all of the Tribal Councils throughout the history of this exciting endeavor."