Walker in Cass County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

"We Come Together"

— Circle of Time —

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 6, 2023

1. "We Come Together" Marker

Inscription. On Leech Lake, Bugonaygeshig is celebrated as a symbol of resistance by both the Indian and white communities. He lived a long life, steadfast in his Indian ways and Bugonaygeshig School in Bena, MN is named in his honor. On September 15, 1898, he was arrested for bootlegging. Several Ojibwe helped him escape and a hundred soldiers came to Bear island on October 5 to rearrest him. One soldier accidentally discharged his rifle and a Ojibwe hiding nearby thought they were being attacked and fired back. Six soldiers and one police officer were killed, but not one Ojibwe died. The Secretary of the interior at that time, Cornelius Bliss wrote:

”The Indians were prompted to their outbreak by the wrongs committed against them and chafed under unfair treatment. They now will go back to their homes and live peaceably as the whites were thoroughly impressed with the stand taken by the Indians. In this respect the outbreak has taught them a lesson.”

Donated by the congregations of Walker churches
honoring Bugonaygeshig of Leech Lake

Erected 2015 by The City of Walker, Minnesota.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Law Enforcement

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• Native Americans • Wars, US Indian. A significant historical date for this entry is September 15, 1898.

Location. 47° 6.1′ N, 94° 34.69′ W. Marker is in Walker, Minnesota, in Cass County. Marker is at the intersection of Minnesota Avenue West (State Highway 200/371) and 3rd Street, on the right when traveling east on Minnesota Avenue West. This “Circle of Time” sculpture and historical marker are located in front of the Cass County Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 201 Minnesota Avenue West, Walker MN 56484, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. "Good News" (here, next to this marker); "Before the Ojibwe" (here, next to this marker); "A Possible Discovery" (here, next to this marker); "Stimulated Exploration" (here, next to this marker); "Thank You Mr. Lincoln" (here, next to this marker); "Spare That Tree" (here, next to this marker); "Readin', Writin' & Rithmatic" (here, next to this marker); "Big Enough to Keep" (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Walker.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Circle of Time

Also see . . .
1. Bugonaygeshig (Wikipedia). Excerpt:

Bugonaygeshig
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 6, 2023

2. "We Come Together"
The sculpture rests atop this pillar; the marker is mounted on the front.
(from Ojibwe Bagonegiizhig: "Hole/Opening in the Sky/Day", referring to the constellation Pleiades) was an Anishinaabe leader of the late 19th century and early 20th century. Bugonaygeshig was native to the Leech Lake Indian Reservation of Minnesota. Chief Bugonaygeshig was born in either 1835, 1836, or 1839. After being forced to walk back to the Leech Lake Reservation from Duluth (an over 100 mile journey), after being arrested for bootlegging, Chief Bugonaygeshig became extremely angry. On October 5, 1898 a force of 78 US soldiers invaded the Leech Lake Reservation. They boarded boats and landed on Sugar Point. They found Bugonaygeshig's cabin but not Bugonaygeshig. Bugonaygeshig would live another 18 years after the Battle of Sugar Point. The United States let the old man be. They did not pursue him after the battle to arrest him.

(Submitted on November 6, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig School. Excerpt:

Bug O Nay Ge Shig School was founded in 1975 in Cass Lake, Minnesota as an alternative school to serve 35 Ojibwe students from Leech Lake Reservation. The school was started in response to parents’ concerns that public schools were not meeting the students academic and cultural needs. The school was named in honor of
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 6, 2023

3. "We Come Together" Sculpture
The artist is Joel Randell.
Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig (Hole in the Day), a local Ojibwe who lived in that area at the turn of the century. From humble beginnings, the Bug O Nay Ge Shig School has matured into a fully accredited educational program. Since that time, the school has transformed its role into a magnet school which serves Native American students living on or near Leech Lake Reservation. After 25+ years, the Bug O Nay Ge Shig School now serves more than 200 students of various tribal backgrounds.

(Submitted on November 6, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

<i>“Circle of Time”</i> Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 6, 2023

4. “Circle of Time” Monument

The monument consists of 13 individual sculptures, each with an interpretive historical marker. “We Come Together” is in the left foreground.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 23, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 6, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 138 times since then and 96 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 6, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.