Anoka in Anoka County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Circle of Life
Photographed by K. Linzmeier, October 24, 2013
1. Circle of Life Marker
The Dakota and Ojibwa people believed that the confluence of two great rivers was a sacred place.
The Point was used as an encampment and gathering place for several tribes. It was also a meeting place to form hunting parties going north into the game-rich white pine forests on the upper Rum River.
These encampments were in the form of a circle. The Dakota believed that the circles symbolized the universe within which all elements are contained and have equal status.
The sacred campfire circle formed the structure for spirituality, tribal government, community life, family relationships and social interaction. These values were expressed in songs and dances around the sacred circle.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Minnesota Historical Society series list.
Location. 45° 11.416′ N, 93° 23.459′ W. Marker is in Anoka, Minnesota, in Anoka County. It can be reached from South Ferry Road 0.3 miles east of South Ferry Street (U.S.
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Regionally, this marker is in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, and in the Great River Road Region. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Ruperts Land and also the territory of the Mississippian Culture.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Highway of Exploration (a few steps from this marker); River Highways (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Logbooms Meet Sawmills (about 400 feet away); Fireman's Grove (about 400 feet away); Two Rivers Historical Park (about 500 feet away); The Point (about 500 feet away); Where Cultures Meet (about 500 feet away); Where Land and Water Meet (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Anoka.
More about this marker. painting captions:
Courtesy
Photographed by K. Linzmeier, October 24, 2013
2. Circle of Life Marker
Painting of an Indian encampment by John Mix Stanley.
Also see . . .
1. Sioux. (Dakota.) Wikipedia entry. (Submitted on December 23, 2013.)
2. Ojibwe people. (Chippewa.) Wikipedia entry. (Submitted on December 23, 2013.)
Credits. This page was last revised on March 3, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 23, 2013, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,703 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 23, 2013, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.
