fbpx
facebook app symbol  twitter  linkedin  instagram 1
Donate Get Newsletter
Donate Get Newsletter
 

PHOTOS: Red Road to DC Totem Pole Makes Stop at Michigan's Straits of Mackinac

Details

MACKINAW CITY, Mich. —  The historic cross country "Red Road to DC" totem pole journey from the Lummi Nation in Washington state made a stop in Mackinaw City, Mich. on Tuesday morning before it arrives in Washington, D.C. where it will be greeted by Interior Secretary Deb Haaland on Thursday.

The Tuesday stop was hosted by the Bay Mills Indian Community at the Straits of Mackinac near the Mackinac Bridge, which connect Michigan's two peninsulas. 

Want more Native News? Get the free daily newsletter today.

Here are photographs of the Mackinaw City, Mich. stop.

The totem rode across the country on a flatbed trailer. (Photo/Levi Rickert)

 

The eagle represents the messenger of the Creator. (Photo/Levi Rickert)

 

Doug James (Lummi Nation) of the House of Tears Carvers and entourage will be in Washington, D.C. on Thursday. (Photo/Levi Rickert)

 

The entry to the Mackinac Bridge from Michigan's Lower Peninsular is in background. (Photo/Levi Rickert)

 

Bay Mills Indian Community Chairperson Whitney Gravelle greets well wishers. (Photo/Levi Rickert)

 

The top of the totem honors Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). (Photo/Levi Rickert)

 

One part of the totem pole represents the fight to protect salmon and other living creatures.. (Photo/Levi Rickert)

 

Sault Ste. Marie Chairperson Aaron Payment and Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians Tribal Chairperson:Regina Gasco-Bentley. (Photo/Levi Rickert)

 

 

 

 

 

More Stories Like This

Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. Briefs
US Presidents in Their Own Words Concerning American Indians
Native News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Trump’s First 100 Days of His Second Administration Has Been Chaotic for Indian Country 
Trump Says He Won't Recognize Indigenous Peoples Day Alongside Columbus Day

Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?

Our mission draws from the warrior spirit that has sustained Indigenous peoples for generations — the same spirit that drives us to stand guard over tribal rights through relentless investigation and fearless reporting. 

Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.

Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.

Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today. 

About The Author
Levi Rickert
Author: Levi RickertEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Levi "Calm Before the Storm" Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online. Rickert was awarded Best Column 2021 Native Media Award for the print/online category by the Native American Journalists Association. He serves on the advisory board of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association. He can be reached at [email protected].