“Honoring, Healing & Remembering” Day to Reflect on Indian Boarding School in Mt. Pleasant Set for Friday

MT. PLEASANT, MICHIGAN — The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan will host its annual day of “Honoring, Healing & Remembering” to commemorate the 81^st anniversary of the Mt. Pleasant Industrial Boarding School closing, Friday, June 5, 2015 from 7am to 4pm. 

It will be a day of remembrance for the children and families impacted by Indian boarding schools.

With exception of an early morning ceremony at the Mission Creek Cemetery (see agenda below), the event will be on the grounds of the former Mt. Pleasant Indian Industrial Boarding School, located at 1400 West Pickard Road, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.

The Mt. Pleasant Indian Industrial Boarding School was established in 1893 by an act of Congress, compelling Indian children to be removed from the care of their families to attend residential schools. The Mt. Pleasant Indian School operated until 1934, with an average enrollment of 300 students annually.

The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan now owns the property of the closed boarding school.

The event is open to the public and will include breakfast and lunch rain or shine.

Friday, June 5, 2015 Agenda

Mission Creek Cemetery:

1475 S. Bamber Road- Mt. Pleasant, Michigan

7 am: Sunrise Ceremony

Mt. Pleasant Indian Industrial Boarding School:

1400 W. Pickard – Mt. Pleasant, Michigan

(Near corner of Pickard & Crawford)

8 am: Breakfast (provided)

9:30am:Pipe Ceremony

10 am:Grand Entry & Flag Song

Welcoming all Pipe Carriers & Tribal Flag Bearers

Student Roll Call “Remembering the Deceased”

Prayer & Special Guest Speakers

Silent Auction begins

Noon: Lunch (provided)

1:30pm:Special Guest Speakers (continued)

3 pm: Jingle Dress Healing Dance & Celebratory Round Dance

Welcoming all Jingle Dress Dancers

3:30pm: Silent Auction ends

4 pm: Give – Away & Traveling Song

Bring lawn chairs, lawn blankets, water bottles, umbrellas

Main parking in the Morning Sun lot at 711 W. Pickard

Please do not park along Crawford Ave.