The cast for Shaynowishkung (Chief Bemidji) as presented by the sculptor Gareth Curtiss. The final statue is cast in bronze and will be dedicated June 6 on the shores of Lake Bemidji.
For many, the history of Northern Minnesota is wrapped up in the fictional story of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox, adorable figures found on display in towns like Brainerd or Bemidji. But in Bemidji, a remarkable cultural reclamation is taking place.
A statue of the Ojibwa leader Shaynowishkung, often known as Chief Bemidji, the namesake of the North Central Minnesota city, will be dedicated at noon Saturday, June 6, at the park along Bemidji Avenue near 5th Street.
Shaynowishkung was a real person whose story is an effective encapsulation of Minnesota’s actual pioneer history.
A walleye meal provided by Leech Lake Gaming and Catering, will follow, a release said. The ceremony will include flute music by Windy Downwind and Jon Romer, a prayer by Larry Aitken and an honor song by the Eyabay drum group.
Elaine Fleming, professor of history at Leech Lake Tribal College, will speak on ‘Healing through Truth: Shaynowishkung and the Time Period in which He Lived.’ The dedication will also include remarks on ‘Honoring through Art’ from statue sculptor Gareth Curtiss. Tribal and local dignitaries, as well as family of Shaynowishkung, will also address the audience.
Organizers recommend arriving early and to count on some difficulty with parking since the Bemidji Visitor’s Center parking lot is closed for construction.
The statue dedication plaque will read as follows:
Speak Your Mind