PESHAWBESTOWN -- A new day will dawn in Peshawbestown.
The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians will launch its $1.65 million Eyaawing Museum and Cultural Center today with a tribal sunrise celebration and public grand opening. It marks an opportunity for tribal members to reflect on their heritage and for visitors to learn about the tribe's history.
"We want it to be informative and inspiring, as well. Regardless of age, it's an opportunity to learn," said Derek Bailey, tribal chairman.
It's also a point of pride for the tribe, he said.
Tribal members on the museum board chose the name Eyaawing and it translates into "who we are" in the tribe's native language of Anishinaabemowin, Bailey said.
The 8,500-square-foot facility has two stories and was designed to reflect the sovereign nation's culture.
"We really pride ourselves with integrating our culture into our facilities," said Steve Feringa, the tribal architect who designed the building.
The main entrance is comprised of curvy patterns to represent the nearby Lake Michigan shoreline, an important aspect of the tribe's history and reliance on Great Lakes waters, he said.
The facility was built with $729,000 in tribal funds, plus a $500,000 Indian Community Development block grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and a $425,000 grant from the U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs.
There is no admission fee, but donations will be accepted.
Exhibits feature bead work, quill boxes and other arts and crafts by tribal members. There also will be interactive learning stations and a museum store to sell books, clothing and art.
"It will allow an opportunity for not only members, but visitors to Peshawbestown to come and learn about and appreciate the cultural history and to better understand who we are today," Bailey said. "It's also to allow members the opportunity to reflect on our history, our place in the area and how we got to be where we are today. If we know where we came from, it helps us better prepare for the future and the generations to come."
A focus will be on the tribe's traditional and contemporary culture, art and history, and the museum's collection is expected to grow, said Laura Quackenbush, museum director.
The new facility is about 20 miles north of Traverse City, just south of Leelanau Sands Casino on the West Grand Traverse Bay side of M-22. Regular hours will be Wednesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
