Sault Ste. Marie in Chippewa County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Ancient Anishinaabek Burial Ground

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, January 3, 2023

1. Ancient Anishinaabek Burial Ground Marker

Inscription.

Ancient Anishinaabek Burial Ground. . Anishinaabek oral history relates that long ago Gchi-Manito (Creator) sent a bird to make its abode on the earth. This bird, Ajiijaak, (crane) circled the land and saw the abundance of Adikameg (whitefish) and after coming to rest on Wadjiwong (a hill) over looking Bawating (The Rapids) he called to the Anishinaabek with his far sounding cry. Soon a large village was congregated. The Crane then became the Ogimaa Dodem (Chief Clan) to the people., For as long as the Anishinaabek can remember this hill has been used as a Sacred Burial Ground. Shingabawossin "Spirit Stone", (1770's - 1828.) Crane Clan Chief at Bawating referred to this place as "Our Ancient Burial Ground"., Because of the strong Spiritual beliefs of the Anishinaabek, each year they came together to honor all those who had passed to the Spirit world. This would be the time the burial grounds were cared for., Spirit houses, placed on the graves at the time of burial, were traditionally made of birch bark. An opening was made in the western direction and offerings were put there to aid them on their journey., Traditional burial markers bore the person's clan symbol, but upside down, to signify they had passed to the spirit world., On this hill also resided the Adjimag or the Sacred Mountain Ash Tree. On a calm and cloudless day it gave forth a sound like distant rolling drums and so it was believed that a Manito resided there. Offerings, made of twigs from other Mountain Ash Trees as well as prayers, were placed at the base of this tree., The project to secure and fence this Ancient Anishinaabek Burial Ground resulted from a unique cooperative effort involving the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, the Bay Mills Indian Community, and the City of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Even though the shoreline has been modified over the years, the perimeter of the burial ground has been established as near as possible to the original boundaries of the site. Project planning began in 2004 and the fencing was completed in May 2005.

Anishinaabek oral history relates that long ago Gchi-Manito (Creator) sent a bird to make its abode on the earth. This bird, Ajiijaak, (crane) circled the land and saw the abundance of Adikameg (whitefish) and after coming to rest on Wadjiwong (a hill) over looking Bawating (The Rapids) he called to the Anishinaabek with his far sounding cry. Soon a large village was congregated. The Crane then became the Ogimaa Dodem (Chief Clan) to the people.

For as long as the Anishinaabek can remember this hill has been used as a Sacred Burial Ground. Shingabawossin "Spirit Stone", (1770's - 1828.) Crane Clan Chief at Bawating referred to this place as "Our Ancient Burial Ground".

Because of the strong Spiritual beliefs of the Anishinaabek, each year they came together to honor all those who had passed to the Spirit world. This would be the time the burial grounds were cared for.

Spirit houses, placed on the graves at the time of burial, were traditionally made of birch bark. An opening was made in the western direction and offerings were put there to aid them on their journey.

Traditional burial markers bore the person's clan symbol, but upside down, to signify they had passed to the spirit world.

On this hill also resided the Adjimag or the Sacred Mountain Ash Tree. On a calm and cloudless day it gave

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forth a sound like distant rolling drums and so it was believed that a Manito resided there. Offerings, made of twigs from other Mountain Ash Trees as well as prayers, were placed at the base of this tree.

The project to secure and fence this Ancient Anishinaabek Burial Ground resulted from a unique cooperative effort involving the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, the Bay Mills Indian Community, and the City of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Even though the shoreline has been modified over the years, the perimeter of the burial ground has been established as near as possible to the original boundaries of the site. Project planning began in 2004 and the fencing was completed in May 2005.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical month for this entry is May 2005.

Location. 46° 29.963′ N, 84° 20.527′ W. Marker is in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, in Chippewa County. It is at the intersection of East Water Street and Bingham Street, on the right when traveling east on East Water Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 298 East Water Street, Sault Sainte Marie MI 49783, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

It is also in the American Midwest,

on the Great Lakes,

and on Lake Superior’s South Shore Region.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Great North Woods,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Fort Brady 1850 (within shouting distance of this marker); Statue of St. Mary

Ancient Anishinaabek Burial Ground image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, January 3, 2023

2. Ancient Anishinaabek Burial Ground

This gate controls access to the burial grounds which are not open for normal entry. Note the ornamental Native American metalwork.

(within shouting distance of this marker); Old Fort Brady (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Brady (within shouting distance of this marker); A Sampler of Vessels That Have Passed This Spot (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); St. Mary's Church (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named Fort Brady (about 400 feet away); The King's Grant (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sault Ste. Marie.

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, January 3, 2023

3. Ancient Anishinaabek Burial Ground

Obelisk is located in the center of the burial ground with Canada in the background.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 25, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 16, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 1,397 times since then and 82 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 18, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.