At a gathering hosted by the Grand Portage Lake Superior Chippewa Band on October 30, the need to work together and understand treaty rights was repeatedly mentioned. The meeting was an opportunity to speak with legislative representatives, but it was also a time to share exciting news from the County, State and Band of Grand Portage. At the end of the day, Grand Portage Tribe President Bob Deschampe shared the news of the installation of new road signs at the boundaries of the territory ceded in 1854.
In his closing remarks at this gathering, President Deschampe encouraged everyone to take tribal training. He said Grand Portage takes its treaty rights very seriously and is doing its part to educate the public about the 1854 treaty.
A few days later, on Monday, November 1, Deschampe, along with Tribal Council members John Morrin, April McCormick, Bill Meyers and Marie Spry, were part of the contingent that installed the first 12 sign to mark the 1854 treaty boundaries. .in the State of Minnesota.
They were joined by Minnesota Department of Transportation officials, including Levi Brown, who is MnDOT’s Tribal Liaison, and MnDOT Commissioner Margaret Anderson Kelliher.
They were also joined by officials from the 1854 Treaty Authority, the inter-tribal natural resources agency. In a press release, the MnDOT gave special thanks to 1854 Resource Management Director Darren Vogt for his work. The statement read: “It took 11 years and six months to put them in place.”
Deschampe added that this is something that is long overdue. Deschampe said: “When people enter the 1854 treaty area, they will know where they are and hopefully learn about the treaties.
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