Congratulations Wille!

We were very excited to receive this email from Shannon sharing the news about our dear friend Willie Johnson from Ziibiwing! What a thrill to see you honored for your hard work! Well deserved!  Three cheers too for Ana!  Your nomination was obviously superbly written!

Boozhoo,
On behalf of the Ziibiwing Center’s board of directors and staff, I would like to announce that our very own Willie Johnson received a “Distinguished Professional Service” award from the Historical Society of Michigan. Willie was recognized at the State History Awards gala held on Friday, September 28 in Monroe, Michigan. The award cited Willie’s exceptional and lifelong dedication to local history. (An official Press Release will be forthcoming.)

The award nomination was initiated by his daughter, Ana. She approached Ziibiwing and asked for our assistance to help her compile, complete and submit all of the nomination materials. Below is an excerpt from the nomination narrative that Willie’s loving and thoughtful daughter wrote about her dad:

“Willie has determined that his work will not only bring knowledge and understanding to the State of Michigan and all people, but healing as well. For as long as there has been excavation, the remains of the first peoples of Michigan have been removed from their resting places, studied and either put on display or boxes in storage rooms. Resolute to see his ancestors brought home and be given a traditional reburial, Willie and his staff have worked with numerous museums and colleges across the State and U.S.  to repatriate ancestral human remains and funerary artifacts.”

Please join me in congratulating the very Distinguished William Johnson!

Me’ewe.

Shannon Martin, Director
Ziibiwing Center of Anishinabe Culture & Lifeways
Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan