Courtesy Photo Odawa Arthur de Bres, wrapped in a ceremonial quilt, prepares to participate in a tribal winter activity.

ALPENA — According to Kevin Leonard, interim director of Michigan State University’s Native American Institute, Michigan has one of America’s most significant Native American populations.

The U.S. Census Bureau’s 2020 data reveals Michigan ranks in the nation’s top 10 for Native American populations.

The 2020 census noted Michigan’s total population increased from 2010 to slightly over 10 million. Their data further stated 2.5% of Michigan’s population is Native American.

For the nation, overall, the Native American population is 2.9%, or 5.7 million.

The Northeast Michigan counties of Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency, and Presque Isle had a 2020 total general population of 61,191. The U.S. Census cites the Native American and Alaskan Native population for those counties at 1,394.

The Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan, based in Sault Ste. Marie, noted Northeast Michigan’s primary tribal representation is from the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians (ltbbodawa.nsn.gov). That tribe is based out of Harbor Springs. Their name translates to “trader.”

The Little Traverse Bay Band is one of Michigan’s 12 federally sanctioned Native American tribes. Up to four other Michigan tribes are seeking recognition.

With two other related Michigan Odawa tribes, their combined population is in the range of 9,000.

Leonard revealed that being federally recognized offers each of those nations access to land rights, hunting and fishing rights and funding for infrastructure, health care, and educational services, as well as for services for housing, veterans, and people with disabilities, and numerous other benefits.

Michigan tribes are centuries old. As the U.S. underwent its formation and growth, numerous treaties were established with each tribe.

Leonard stated that literally meant having the U.S. government recognize each tribe as their own governmental structure with laws, rights, land, and numerous other aspects within their structure.

Art de Bres, a former student of Alpena educator and coach Tom Atkinson, is an Odawa and Potawatomi Native American from his mother’s side. He is a member of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians (lrboi-nsn.gov), based in Manistee. With a 35-year career in public safety, he resides in Southwest Michigan with his wife. They have four children.

In reflecting on his heritage, de Bres commented his grandparents and other family members were once residents of the Mt. Pleasant Native American boarding school (now a historic museum).

He commented: “During my youth, they conversed with me in their native language and conducted tribal customs and culture — but never explained why.”

Now in his mid-60s, de Bres strives to maintain and enhance his Odawa heritage. Most recently, he led the tribe’s Gun Lake Snow Snake winter gathering.

He explained: “The annual event is where men, women, youth of all ages enter sports and recreational activities ,setting aside personal grievances to heal as a total community.”

An interesting aspect de Bres surfaced: Up until 1978, with the passage of the American Indian Religious Free Act, many Native American religions and sacred ceremonies were prohibited by law. The act prohibits governmental agencies to interfere with tribal practices.

The Little River Odawa tribe has its own language that dates back centuries. It wasn’t until the 1960s that they developed their own written language based upon ancient pictographic symbols converting to the English alphabet.

One of the more recognizable Michigan Native Americans aspects is their casinos, along with hotels and restaurants. With the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, that important employment and revenue stream ceased operation for a significant period of time.

De Bres’ tribe, the Little River Band, has realized the need to further diversify operations.

According to a recent media account, the tribe announced a 25-year plan to develop hundreds of acres near its casino into a corridor with housing, retail, manufacturing, and a new, 15-story hotel. A non-gambling entity owned by the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, also in Michigan, is now selling “NativeWahl” burger franchises to other tribes after forming a 2021 partnership with Wahlburgers, the national burger chain created by the celebrity brothers Paul, Mark, and Donnie Wahlberg.

Some tribes have become involved in a wide range of non-gambling businesses, such as trucking, construction, consulting, health care, real estate, cannabis, and marketing. Also, many tribes are increasingly doing business with the federal government, especially the U.S. Department of Defense.

De Bres stated many non-Native Americans are somewhat familiar with powwows. Those are recognized as a strong and meaningful tradition with not just the Odawas but numerous other North American tribes. Tribal websites, along with powwows.com, offer information about those ceremonies, as well as where performances can be experienced.

The Besser Museum for Northeastern Michigan is in the midst of a $1.5 million campaign to upgrade their exhibits. A limited number of Native American artifacts and related historical items are displayed on the main floor. Museum Executive Director Christine Witulski revealed museum staff is conducting research to establish a book relating to the Anishinaabe history and culture. The museum offers regional Native American data and video presentations at bessermuseum.org.

Jeffery D. Brasie is a retired health care CEO. He frequently writes historic feature stories and op-eds for various Michigan newspapers. He is a U.S. Navy and U.S. Naval Reserve veteran and served on the public affairs staff of the secretary of the Navy. He grew up in Alpena and resides in suburban Detroit.