Creation of the Tribal Logo

-by Julius Peters

This logo not only represents the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, but it symbolizes two very important people that had a major impact on my life.

At the age of seven, I lost my mother; I then went to live with my grandfather and grandmother.

The middle of the logo symbolizes the headdress worn by my grandfather, Simon Peters. Simon Peters was a traditional man with old Indian values. My grandfather's headdress was made of Eagle and Pheasant feathers. The Eagle is a sacred bird of the Indians. He chose the Pheasant feathers for the reason that it was a beautiful bird to him.

The top of the logo symbolizes the Yolk my grandmother, Annie Peters, wore upon her chest. She had once told me the design meant beauty and love.

The acorns upon the logo were worn by both my grandfather and grandmother. They considered the acorns to be symbols of the Indian people. My grandparents had once stated to me, "The acorns are like the Indian people. Once small and new to the world , but with time, love and care, they will stand tall beautiful and mighty."

In a sense, the words they spoke to me are coming to be true. The once small Tribe that I grew up to know is now growing and prospering. May the Grandfathers in the sky look upon us and bless us. Therefore the logo of the Tribe will always be a symbol of two very missed and loved people in my life.

Miigwetch