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These Michigan places have Native American names. How they got them
These Michigan places have Native American names. How they got them

Yahoo

timea day ago

  • Yahoo

These Michigan places have Native American names. How they got them

This story has been updated with additional information. Across Michigan, you'll find places with names of Native American origin, reflecting the state's deep Indigenous heritage. Present-day Michigan is the ancestral homeland of Anishinaabe peoples, with the Indigenous presence pre-dating European settlements by more than 10,000 years. More than 240,000 Native Americans and Alaska Natives currently live in Michigan, according to a statement by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, placing it among 10 states with the highest Indigenous populations, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. "In the 1600s, the relationship the Anishinaabek had with their homelands drastically changed with the arrival of Europeans to the Great Lakes. Diseases, wars, and the efforts to remove the Anishinaabek from Michigan continued for centuries. Despite this, the Anishinaabek fought to remain," Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore's website says. Michigan cities, villages, rivers and other locations often take their names from Native American origins. The name of the state itself is attributed to the Algonquin word "Mishigamaw," meaning 'big lake' or 'great water,' deriving its name from the lake of the same name. It's also said to be from "Michi" meaning "great" and "Gama" meaning 'water," the Bureau of Indian Affairs says. Here are a few Michigan places with Indigenous names. Who are Michigan's Native Americans? Among the state's important Native American roots are the Anishinaabe peoples of the Council of Three Fires historic alliance, the Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi nations, according to Waséyabek, a tribally-owned economic development entity of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi. Indigenous communities in Michigan include the following 12 federally recognized tribes: Bay Mills Indian Community Grand Traverse Bay Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. Hannahville Indian Community Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians. Little River Band of Ottawa Indians. Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. Match-e-be-nash-she-wish Band of Potawatomi Indians of Michigan (Gun Lake). Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Indians. Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians. Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe. Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. How did Saginaw get its name? The name of the mid-Michigan city, county, river and bay comes from the Ojibwe language, with various interpretations of its original meaning. The name is believed to come from the Ojibwe words sag and ong, for place of the outlet, the Library of Michigan says. Another possible origin could be the Ojibwe phrase for where the Sauk were, referring to an Indigenous people who lived in the area before the Ojibwe people, Pure Michigan says. Munising features Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Located at the Upper Peninsula's northern edge, this town borders Lake Superior and faces Grand Island from South Bay. Visitors can enjoy outdoor recreation at sites like Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Grand Island National Recreation Area and Hiawatha National Forest, including hiking trails, Munising Falls, lakefront sandy beaches, boat and kayak tours and historic lighthouses. The city and township get their name from the Ojibwe word Minissing, meaning Place of the Great Island, Munising Township's website says. Mackinac Island is popular tourist attraction Nestled in the Straits of Mackinac between Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas is 2025's No. 1 summer travel destination, according to USA TODAY's 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards. In addition to its roughly 500 year-round residents, Mackinac Island draws in over 1 million visitors each year with activities ranging from grabbing a picture at stunning Arch Rock to tasting Mackinac fudge to bicycling around the island or touring historic Fort Mackinac. The name of the county, island, bridge and straits comes from the longer Anishinaabek word Mitchimakinak, meaning place of the great turtle, or big turtle, according to the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau and Pure Michigan. French settlers later changed the spelling to Michilimackinac, adapting it to the French language, and the British eventually shortened the name to Mackinac. Saugatuck is popular west Michigan town This city along the Lake Michigan coast in southwest Michigan is a top summer tourist destination, with attractions including a quaint downtown, lakefront sandy beaches and an array of art galleries and installations. The town's name comes from the Potawatomi word shaug-a-duck, meaning mouth of the river, the Hotel Saugatuck's website says. The Kalamazoo River flows into Lake Michigan from Saugatuck. Ontonagon offers Lake Superior beaches, Porcupine Mountains Located in the Upper Peninsula's far northwest, this area features a variety of hiking trails, lakefront sandy beaches, waterfalls, ski areas, a historic lighthouse, and Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, also known as the Porkies. The county, village and river's name traces back to the Ojibwe language, with various interpretations. This includes the word Nondon-organ, meaning hunting river, according to Central Michigan University's Clarke Historical Library. Explore historic downtown in lakefront Manistee This area along the shores of Lake Michigan offers sandy lakefront beaches, the city of Manistee's historic downtown, Manistee National Forest, farms, trolley tours, skiing and snowmobiling, fisheries, boating, kayaking and canoeing and orchards. The city, lake, river and county's name derives from an Ojibwe word, possibly ministigweyaa, meaning river with islands at its mouth, or from an Ojibwe word meaning spirit of the woods, the city of Manistee's website says. Ocqueoc Falls are on the Ocqueoc River Ocqueoc Falls are on the Ocqueoc River in the northeastern Lower Peninsula. The area includes 6 miles of hiking, biking and cross-country skiing, and a state forest campground with a hardwood forest. The name of the waterfall, township and river is considered to be an English or French interpretation of the Ojibwe name for the river, meaning crooked river, Ocqueoc Township's website says. Ocqueoc also means sacred in Ainshinaabemowin, or the Ojibwe language, Discover Northeast Michigan says. Washtenaw home to bustling college town Southeast Michigan's Washtenaw County is known for the city of Ann Arbor, featuring the University of Michigan campus, museums, gardens and trails, Michigan Medicine, historic districts, theaters and a diverse array of dining options. The county also features parks with a chance to explore kayaking, hiking trails, canoeing, fishing and more in nature. The origin of Washtenaw has several interpretations. The Library of Michigan traces it to the Ojibwe word Washtenong, meaning Grand River, farther district or land beyond, according to Michigan State University. The county's website says the name could also be of Potawatomi or Algonquin origin, citing various sources. Muskegon features Lake Michigan state parks This west Michigan area along the Lake Michigan coastline boasts sandy lakefront beaches, an amusement park, trails, downtown Muskegon, state and county parks, historic lighthouses and more. The name of the city, lake, county and river comes from the Ottawa word Masquigon, meaning marshy river or swamp, according to Pure Michigan and Visit Muskegon. Keweenaw home to nation's best ski resorts At the northwestern tip of the Upper Peninsula, the Keweenaw Peninsula juts into Lake Superior, home to sandy beaches, some of the nation's best ski resorts, Michigan Technological University, local, state and national parks and a copper mining industry. The name's origin lies in an Ojibwe word meaning the crossing place, Visit Keweenaw's website says. Keweenaw can also be traced to the Ojibwe word Kee-wi-wai-non-ing, meaning portage or place where portage is made, according to Michigan State University. Osceola rich with outdoor recreation This area in the central western Lower Peninsula is primarily rural and includes 16 townships. Osceola County features parks with opportunities for activities like fishing, camping and swimming. The county is named after Osceola, a Seminole chief, the Library of Michigan says. Osceola, meaning black drink singer, refers to a liquid a Seminole warrior would drink during purification rites, the National Park Service's website says. Where can I find more information on Native American place names? Michigan State University offers a list of many place names associated with Native American origins. Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@ This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: A look at the Indigenous heritage behind Michigan place names Solve the daily Crossword

407 ETR Celebrates Collaboration with Credit Valley Conservation Foundation at the Crane Gathering Space
407 ETR Celebrates Collaboration with Credit Valley Conservation Foundation at the Crane Gathering Space

Cision Canada

time08-07-2025

  • General
  • Cision Canada

407 ETR Celebrates Collaboration with Credit Valley Conservation Foundation at the Crane Gathering Space

The Crane Gathering Space is the first Indigenous placemaking site along the Credit Valley Trail. It was developed by the Credit Valley Trail Indigenous Roundtable, an Indigenous-led committee with representation from the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Cree and Huron-Wendat First Nations, in collaboration with CVC and CVCF. The inspiration for this space comes from the Ajijaak Dodem (Crane Clan), in Anishinaabe tradition, the Ajijaak is known as an 'echo maker' and is the speaker for the clans. The sandhill crane uses Island Lake Conservation Area as a stopover site during its annual migration. "407 ETR is honoured to support the creation of the Crane Gathering Space and to stand alongside our partners in honouring Indigenous culture and environmental education," says Javier Tamargo, President & CEO, 407 ETR. "Our investment in the Credit Valley Trail and Indigenous placemaking reflects our broader commitment to connect the natural spaces that define our region." Representatives from 407 ETR joined CVCF and CVC at Island Lake Conservation Area in Orangeville to celebrate the opening of the space, which serves as a place of cultural connection, reflection and learning for all visitors. "We are deeply grateful to 407 ETR for their steadfast commitment to sustainability, community investment, and environmental stewardship," says Terri LeRoux, Interim Chief Administrative Officer, Credit Valley Conservation. "Their generous support since 2018 has been crucial in advancing key initiatives such as the Credit Valley Trail, land securement, and Indigenous placemaking. As we celebrate with 407 ETR the Crane Gathering Space, the first Indigenous placemaking site along the trail, we also celebrate both a meaningful step forward in reconciliation and the strong partnership that makes this work possible. Together, we are building a legacy of connection, conservation, and community that will benefit generations to come." "407 ETR's generous partnership is essential to advancing the Foundation's mission to protect and connect the natural spaces within the Credit River Watershed," says Dayana Gomez, Executive Director, Credit Valley Conservation Foundation. "Their ongoing support not only drives critical conservation projects but also reinforces our shared commitment to environmental stewardship and Indigenous reconciliation. As we celebrate 407 ETR's generosity, we invite other community partners to join us in this vital $10 Million Campaign—together we can build a lasting legacy while ensuring a resilient, thriving watershed for generations to come." For more information about how 407 ETR supports communities in the GTA, visit To learn more about the Credit Valley Trail and how to support the campaign, visit Fast Facts: This year, 407 ETR proudly sponsored the Little Native Hockey League tournament in Markham with $180,000 in funding and in-kind travel. The Company has donated over $600,000 to support local biodiversity initiatives and is on track to complete $1.8 million investment in environmental initiatives over three years (2023-2025). 407 ETR proudly supports Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival. Running annually from March to April and attracting over 30,000 attendees, this vibrant event showcases the rich Indigenous origins of maple syrup production, an iconic Canadian staple. Attendees can explore the evolution of maple syrup production, from traditional Indigenous methods to modern techniques. About 407 ETR Highway 407 ETR is an all-electronic open-access toll highway located in the Greater Toronto Area in Ontario, Canada. The highway spans 108 kilometres from Burlington in the west to Pickering in the east. 407 International Inc. is the sole shareholder of 407 ETR and is owned by: Cintra Global S.E. which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ferrovial S.A. (48.29%); Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments) and other institutional investors (44.20%); and Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP Investments) (7.51%) About Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) is a local conservation authority established by the Ontario government in 1954 to protect, restore and enhance the natural environment of the Credit River Watershed. That watershed is the area of land where all rainfall, snowmelt and runoff drains ("sheds") into lands and waters flowing into the Credit River. CVC creates connections between people and nature, knowledge and action. It inspires a deep appreciation for the role of nature in keeping people connected, healthy and happy. CVC is a member of Conservation Ontario. About Credit Valley Conservation Foundation Credit Valley Conservation Foundation is a registered environmental charity working to help protect and conserve the lands and waters of the Credit River Watershed. The Foundation accomplishes this by raising funds in support of the valuable conservation projects carried out by Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) that protect the health and well-being of the flora and fauna, the watershed and its inhabitants for today and tomorrow. CVC inspires a deep appreciation for the role of nature in keeping people connected, healthy and happy. SOURCE 407 ETR Concession Company Limited

Buck Moon 2025: Here's how to see the July Full Moon — Best viewing time for New York, LA, London & more
Buck Moon 2025: Here's how to see the July Full Moon — Best viewing time for New York, LA, London & more

Time of India

time05-07-2025

  • Climate
  • Time of India

Buck Moon 2025: Here's how to see the July Full Moon — Best viewing time for New York, LA, London & more

Why It's Called the 'Buck Moon' Live Events Thunder Moon (Western Abenaki) – Linked to frequent summer storms Berry Moon (Anishinaabe) – Marking berry harvesting season Salmon Moon (Tlingit) – Associated with seasonal fish migration Feather Moulting Moon (Cree) – Refers to bird feather shedding Ripe Corn Moon (Cherokee) – Time when corn begins to ripen Raspberry Moon (Algonquin, Ojibwe) Moon When the Chokecherries Are Ripe (Dakota) Viewing Conditions and Global Timings New York: Sunset at 8:29 p.m. EDT, moonrise at 8:54 p.m. EDT Sunset at 8:29 p.m. EDT, moonrise at 8:54 p.m. EDT Los Angeles: Sunset at 8:07 p.m. PDT, moonrise at 8:33 p.m. PDT Sunset at 8:07 p.m. PDT, moonrise at 8:33 p.m. PDT London: Sunset at 9:16 p.m. BST, moonrise at 9:46 p.m. BST Sunset at 9:16 p.m. BST, moonrise at 9:46 p.m. BST New Delhi: Sunset at 7:20 p.m. IST, moonrise around 7:42 p.m. IST One of the Lowest-Hanging Full Moons of the Year Best Places to Witness the Event Will It Be a Supermoon? Full Moon Calendar for 2025 January – Wolf Moon February – Snow Moon March – Worm Moon April – Pink Moon May – Flower Moon June – Strawberry Moon July – Buck Moon August – Sturgeon Moon September – Corn Moon October – Hunter Moon November – Beaver Moon December – Cold Moon FAQs What is the Buck Moon? When will the Buck Moon reach its fullest phase in 2025? (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel The July full moon, known traditionally as the Buck Moon, is set to grace the skies in its fullest glory on Thursday, July 10, 2025. Astronomers and moon watchers across the globe are preparing to witness this annual lunar event, which carries both scientific interest and cultural to astronomical data, the Buck Moon will turn full at 4:38 p.m. EDT on July 10. While the precise moment of fullness occurs in daylight for much of the Americas, the best time to witness the moonrise spectacle will be during dusk on the same evening, when the moon climbs the eastern sky shortly after term 'Buck Moon' originates from Native American traditions, as male deer (bucks) begin to regrow their antlers during this period. As per the Old Farmer's Almanac, moon names reflect seasonal changes and were used by various Indigenous tribes to track the passage of EarthSky and cultural historians emphasize that full moon names vary significantly across regions and traditions. In North America, other July full moon names include:In Europe, it is also called the Hay Moon, as the full moon coincides with the harvesting of Buck Moon is expected to appear full on the nights of July 9, 10, and 11, providing a wide window for observation. While it is full only momentarily, it appears almost completely illuminated to the human eye for about three the July full moon at moonrise offers the most dramatic and picturesque scene. The moon appears larger and more golden as it rises low on the horizon — an optical illusion amplified by the atmospheric conditions during are the moonrise times for July 10, as per a report by Forbes:For accurate local timings, observers are encouraged to use moonrise calculators or astronomy year's Buck Moon is notable for being one of the lowest-hanging full moons in the sky for observers in the Northern Hemisphere. That's because the moon, when full, is directly opposite the sun in the sky. During July, the sun reaches its highest arc, meaning the full moon follows the lowest possible a result, it never climbs very high and appears to hover just above the horizon for much of the night. This effect is particularly appreciated by photographers and skywatchers who seek clear eastern or southern horizons to witness the event in its full the moon can be viewed from virtually anywhere in the world, open spaces, elevated terrain, and areas away from city lights offer the most favorable conditions. Ideal viewing spots include rural hilltops, east-facing beaches, deserts, or national parks with minimal light organizations also recommend viewing from locations with a clear line of sight to the eastern horizon. Whether in India, Europe, Africa, or the Americas, the Buck Moon is a universally accessible event requiring no special later full moons in the year, July's full moon is not classified as a supermoon. A supermoon occurs when the moon is at or near its closest point to Earth (perigee) and appears larger and brighter. The first supermoon of 2025 is expected in October, adding a different flavor to the celestial a glance at the 2025 full moon lineup, as per traditional names:The Buck Moon is the traditional name for the full moon in July. The term comes from Native American cultures, referencing the time when male deer (bucks) begin regrowing their Buck Moon will turn full at 4:38 p.m. EDT on Thursday, July 10, 2025. While it peaks in daylight for many regions, the best visual experience is during moonrise at dusk.

Art dealer moved $450,000 worth of Morrisseau fakes, new court document reveals
Art dealer moved $450,000 worth of Morrisseau fakes, new court document reveals

Globe and Mail

time03-07-2025

  • Globe and Mail

Art dealer moved $450,000 worth of Morrisseau fakes, new court document reveals

An 84-year-old art dealer who pleaded guilty last week in a sprawling investigation into the distribution of counterfeit Norval Morrisseau artwork bought around 500 fakes for more than $450,000 and then distributed them across Canada, according to an agreed statement of facts released Wednesday. The document outlines his role in selling forgeries, while peeling back another layer of what investigators call the biggest case of art fraud in Canadian history, a major scheme that has tarnished the late Anishinaabe artist's legacy. The dealer, Jim White, was one of eight people arrested in March, 2023, as part of Project Totton, a years-long police investigation into two counterfeiting rings responsible for producing and selling between 4,500 and 6,000 fake Morrisseau works, according to officers. Two of the eight accused had previously pleaded guilty, and charges against at least one other have been withdrawn. Investigators had anticipated that Mr. White – along with two other defendants, David Bremner and Jeffrey Cowan – would go to trial. Last week, before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Newmarket, Ont., Mr. White pleaded guilty to uttering forged documents and possessing property obtained by crime for the purpose of trafficking. 'We were quite taken aback when we were notified that there was a potential plea agreement in place for Jim White,' said Thunder Bay Police Inspector Jason Rybak, who co-led Project Totton. Once called Picasso of the North, Mr. Morrisseau died in 2007 having earned international renown. His work featured vibrant colours and depictions of people and animals outlined in thick black lines, a style that came to be called the Woodland School. First Nations leaders say Mr. Morrisseau's art has been instrumental in helping to explain their history. According to the agreed statement of facts, Mr. White began selling Morrisseau works in 1999. Back then, most of the works he distributed originated from one of the co-accused, David Voss, who last year admitted in court that he had counterfeited upwards of 1,500 works falsely attributed to Mr. Morrisseau. Mr. White admits no wrongdoing related to the Voss fakes. He tried to verify their authenticity by commissioning handwriting analyses, affidavits and other documents attesting to their provenance. In 2016, he turned to a new source of Morrisseaus: Mr. Cowan. He says he met Mr. Cowan and viewed a number of Morrisseaus that raised several 'red flags.' Despite carrying 1980s dates, they appeared to be 'newer' and the English signatures didn't conform with earlier Morrisseau signatures he'd seen. What's more, Mr. Cowan sold the art from his garage in St. Thomas, Ont., and only accepted cash or e-transfers. Mr. White states that he was told Mr. Cowan acquired the art from a deceased uncle as well as from a former lover of Mr. Morrisseau's. Despite harbouring suspicions that the works were forgeries, Mr. White 'purposely turned a blind eye' to anything that might undermine their legitimacy, the document states. Between 2016 and 2021, he made 44 trips to Mr. Cowan's home to buy more than 470 forgeries. Mr. White pegged total costs at more than $450,000. To hide the art's provenance, Mr. White enlisted an appraiser, Mr. Bremner, to create certificates that declared the Cowan paintings to be authentic. The allegations against Mr. Cowan and Mr. Bremner have not been tested in court. Mr. White would then sell or consign the forgeries to auctioneers and galleries across Canada that would, in turn, sell them to the public. His fortunes began to shift in 2019 with the release of There Are No Fakes, a documentary that identifies Mr. White and others as major forces behind a shadowy counterfeiting scheme. The police investigation began shortly after its release. In 2021, police executed a search warrant on Mr. White's home and seized 59 forgeries traced to Mr. Cowan, along with 114 prints of forgeries and numerous certificates of authenticity, many affixed with a stamp from the Morrisseau Family Foundation, an organization formed by Mr. Morrisseau's sons and daughter around the time of his 2007 death. Jonathan Sommer, a lawyer who has represented several unwitting buyers of Morrisseau fakes, said the appearance of a foundation stamp needs to be further explored. 'It's a positive step to have more information about how the fraud rolled out over time,' he said. 'But the larger story still has massive gaps.' Police also seized $30,700 from a floor safe, funds Mr. White admits are the proceeds of crime. Mr. White has declined through his lawyer to comment on the guilty plea. His sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 7.

People, profit intersect at Portage and Main
People, profit intersect at Portage and Main

Winnipeg Free Press

time27-06-2025

  • Business
  • Winnipeg Free Press

People, profit intersect at Portage and Main

Opinion Since 1862, the intersection of Main Street and Portage Avenue in Winnipeg has been a space split between the competing forces of people and profit. During the early years, there were fights about how to build roads large enough so people could travel through the area while accommodating the competitive interests of businesses moving in and blocking the thoroughfares. In the end, the then-governor and council of Assiniboia chose a balance between the two, declaring the intersecting roads would follow the original oxcart paths, parallel to the rivers, and be 'a full two chain (132 foot)' across. The decree also stated that any business blocking the paths in and out of the intersection would have to make way by 1882. This idea though, was not new; a balance between multiple interests has always been how Portage and Main works. For centuries, the area was a stopping place along a north-south trading route traveled by Cree and Anishinaabe peoples and a west-east route journeyed by Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota peoples — all of whom joined together to reside in a vast city the Cree called Nestawaya, or 'Three Points.' MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS FILES Portage Avenue and Main Street has witnessed bustling crowds, paths of streetcars and exponential economic growth — all of which inspired infrastructure and jobs that helped build a city. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS FILES Portage Avenue and Main Street has witnessed bustling crowds, paths of streetcars and exponential economic growth — all of which inspired infrastructure and jobs that helped build a city. Here, Indigenous peoples lived, traded, and forged treaty — conducting business with one another for centuries. Life in Nestawaya wasn't perfect (Anishinaabe and Dakota peoples were well known for their wars, for example) but, at the best of times, the nations in what is now Portage and Main found ways to forge peace. It's no surprise, then, that balancing competing interests solved Portage and Main's first conflict. Over a century, compromise, commitment, and inclusivity has been how Portage and Main has functioned the best. The corner has witnessed bustling crowds, paths of streetcars and exponential economic growth — all of which inspired infrastructure and jobs that helped build a city. In the decades after Winnipeg was founded in 1873, the area saw the building of nearby Union Station in 1911, Eaton's department store in 1905, and the Hudson Bay building in 1926. At Portage and Main, there came the Bank of Montreal building on the southeast corner (built in 1913), the 34-storey Richardson building on the northeast corner (1969), the Commodity Exchange Tower on the northwest corner (1979) and the five-storey Scotiabank building on the southwest corner (1979). KEN GIGLIOTTI / FREE PRESS FILES The Bank of Montreal building on the southeast corner of Portage and Main was built in 1913. KEN GIGLIOTTI / FREE PRESS FILES The Bank of Montreal building on the southeast corner of Portage and Main was built in 1913. At the same time, the area was the meeting place where citizens celebrated the end of wars, met kings and princesses, and the Winnipeg Jets signed superstar hockey players. Finding the balance between people and profit was always the way of Portage and Main — until one side was chosen over the other. Starting in the 1960s, city planners sought to create a downtown economic hub, based on the idea that forcing foot traffic to travel underground into a warm, enclosed, commercial concourse would increase vehicle flow and support economic development. That idea became real with the Circus, an underground circular facility that connected all four corners of Portage and Main. After the vision was passed in 1979, all overground movement in the intersection was closed, with barriers built to force citizens below. Well, some of them. There was no longer any place for the poor or racialized at Portage and Main. Profit became the only language of the primary intersection of the city. For decades, downtown became a transactional place. Wednesdays Sent weekly from the heart of Turtle Island, an exploration of Indigenous voices, perspectives and experiences. For the wealthy, it was a place for business, not a place to live, love, and foster relationships. Those who did live there were met with a lifeless set of barriers, concrete, and freezing cold wind. This was especially true of Portage and Main's first inhabitants. In the 1960s, Indigenous peoples began to return to the space after suffering for decades under brutal policies that controlled movement and commerce — instilling poverty and marginalization in their lives. Unwelcome in the Circus, Indigenous peoples became the primary inhabitants of the overground, creating a stark divide between societies below and above. This separation caused division and a deep sense of difference and denial — until the decay caused by both became too much. Portage and Main became a symbol of what it means to choose one interest over another, money over relationships, and profit over people. That is, until this unsustainable vision ended. Now, the intersection has reopened, and, with it, new questions on how to balance people and profit. A new path for an intersection in a very old centre; a place that has thrived by finding balance, not choosing one path over another. Niigaan SinclairColumnist Niigaan Sinclair is Anishinaabe and is a columnist at the Winnipeg Free Press. Read full biography Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.

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