An obelisk placed in Sault Ste. Marie's Brady Park is actively being removed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers after nearly 30 years of advocacy from local Native American tribes.
The obelisk was placed in 1907 to commemorate 50 years of the Soo Locks, on top of a protected ancient native burial ground. Local tribes were not informed the monument would be installed at the time.
"In the Treaty of Sault Ste. Marie the tribes were actually ceding territory to the United States for the creation of the Soo Locks and the surrounding area," explained Bay Mills President Whitney Gravelle. "So as part of that treaty negotiation, they were saying, 'okay, you'll be able to make your fort here and you'll be able to engage in construction here,' but that there were several things that were preserved in exchange for that land cession. Aspects of that treaty included protecting Wudjiwong, which is this burial ground where the obelisk was placed."
She said the teachings of the tribe say that land holds the remains and spirit of their people, and they should be treated as people want to be treated while living.
Advocacy to get the obelisk removed began in the late 90's, with Bay Mills tribal historians Paula Carrick and Wanda Perron spearheading education efforts with the public and Army Corps on the importance of the land the monument was placed on.
Gravelle said the community is relieved and grateful the obelisk is finally being removed.
"After several decades of educating the Army Corps, educating the public, they were able to understand that this obelisk should have never been placed there in the first place, and that there are ways we can come together to right historical wrongs," Gravelle said.
Removal began on Oct. 15.
