JOHN, today is Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This is a day to celebrate the culture and traditions of America’s first peoples, and to honor all they have contributed to our nation – and right here in Michigan.

For more than 10,000 years, indigenous peoples have been living in Michigan and the Great Lakes area, including the 12 federally recognized tribes currently located throughout the state. These tribes have been instrumental in developing the home we love so much, and I hope you’ll take time to learn more about them today.

Michigan has many cultural and heritage sites dedicated to our Native American communities. From the Nokomis Cultural Heritage Center in Okemos to the Potawatomi Heritage Center in Wilson, no matter where you are in the state, you can find ways to explore the deep connection and history indigenous people have with this land.

Happy Indigenous Peoples’ Day, JOHN.

Sincerely,

Carl Marlinga