Latest news with #Shaynowishkung
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Celebration set to mark 10 years of Chief Bemidji statue
May 23—BEMIDJI — Shaynowishkung (he who rattles) was an unorthodox Ojibwe leader from the mid-19th century, known as a peacemaker among settlers and the roughly 50 Ojibwe who followed him. Over time, Shaynowishkung became a beloved figure to both groups that called the Bemidji area home. Commonly known as "Chief Bemidji," he gained the title among settlers as they mistook the lake's name, Bemijigamaag, as his own. To honor the charismatic leader, Bemidji erected the Chief Shaynowishkung statue that stands at Library Park along Paul Bunyan Drive with Lake Bemidji as a backdrop, roughly a century and a half after he placed his stake in the region. His statue has stood strong and tall for 10 years. The Beltrami County Historical Society, in partnership with the Bemidji Statue Committee, will host a celebration to honor the statue's 10th anniversary at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 7, at Library Park. "This special event honors a decade of reflection, remembrance and recognition of Shaynowishkung, an Ojibwe leader whose presence continues to shape our understanding of local history, diplomacy and cultural respect," a release said. The ceremony will begin with a brief presentation at the statue, followed by a guided walk to Shaynowishkung's historic home site near The Coffee District, east of the Mississippi River between Lake Bemidji and Lake Irving. Participants will then return via the rail trail to the Beltrami County History Center. Elaine Fleming, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe elder, activist and former Cass Lake mayor, will offer a public program about Shaynowishkung's life, legacy and importance. Fleming is a founding member of the Bemidji Truth and Reconciliation group and has been an influential voice in place-name restoration, Indigenous language revitalization and community healing. The history center welcomes all to the free event. Refreshments will be served at the history center following the program. A limited number of wheelchairs will be available. Additionally, a shuttle bus ride from the history center to the program and back will be available for those at the center before the load time at 9:45 a.m. Those who need to reserve a wheelchair can send an email to depot@ or call (218) 444-3376. For more information on the event or other summertime history center events, visit
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Beltrami County Historical Society offering Shaynowishkung essay contest
May 14—BEMIDJI — The Beltrami County Historical Society and the Shaynowishkung Statue Committee are proud to announce a student essay contest in honor of the 10th anniversary of the Shaynowishkung statue in Library Park. High school juniors and seniors (or equivalent), and college freshmen and sophomores — including students in tribal schools, public and private schools, and homeschool settings — are welcome to enter. The contest centers on the legacy of Shaynowishkung (also known as Chief Bemidji), an Anishinaabe leader whose life and words offer powerful lessons about peace, leadership, and resilience, a release said. "Shaynowishkung's life and words offer valuable lessons about peace, leadership and resilience," added the release. "The statue honoring him is accompanied by plaques that carefully tell his story and provide historical context." However, in the past, many public statues provided little or no information about the people they portrayed, or they presented only part of the story — sometimes omitting difficult or uncomfortable truths. In the essay, students should reflect on the importance of truth in how we remember historical figures: * Why is it important to not only create monuments but also ensure they tell an accurate and complete story? * What responsibilities do communities have when honoring historical figures? * How does Shaynowishkung's story challenge or expand your understanding of history? * How does his story connect to your own experiences, identity, or understanding of truth in history? First Place will receive $250 and the opportunity to present the essay at the 10th anniversary event on Saturday, June 7, (attendance is optional). The Beltrami County Historical Society will publish the winning essay. Two alternate winners will receive $50 each. Essays should be 500-750 words (excluding any title or reference pages), written in size 12, sans serif font (Aptos, Times New Roman or Calibri), and double-spaced. Sources are not required, but must be cited if used (in any style). To enter, students should submit their essay in PDF form to depot@ with the subject line "Shaynowishkung Essay Contest." The deadline to submit entries is midnight on Saturday, May 25. For more information on submission guidelines and evaluation criteria, visit or email depot@
