Tales from the Archives – Chief Waukazoo’s Band of Odawa Indians with Eric Hemenway

The story of Holland, MI begins with the Odawa under the leadership of Chief Waukazoo. Join Eric Hemenway, Anishnaabe/Odawa and Director of Repatriation, Archives and Records for the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians as he examines the efforts this leader made to ensure the safety of his community and their place in their indigenous homelands of Michigan.

This program took place virtually on Thursday, January 12, 2023
Free Adult Program

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Speaker Biography

Eric Hemenway

Holland Museum Tales from the Archives photo of Eric Hemenway, program presenter

Eric Hemenway is an Anishnaabe/Odawa from Cross Village, Michigan. His mother is tribal citizen Peggy Hemenway. Eric is the Director of Repatriation, Archives and Records for the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. Eric oversees the management, collecting and preservation of historic documents and materials for the tribe. These materials are used to support LTBB government functions, its citizens, and educational initiatives, such as: museum exhibits, media, curriculum, publications, historical interpretation, signage, web content and presentations. Collaborations on exhibits have included the National Park Service, State of Michigan, Mackinac State Historic Parks, Emmet County, Welt Museum Wien Vienna, Austria, and the Harbor Springs History Museum, as well as other museums. Educational partnerships include Harbor Springs Public Schools, University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Harvard, Yale, and Aquinas College. Eric has also extensive work experience under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.

He currently sits on boards for the Michigan Historical Commission, Central Michigan University Clarke Library and Little Traverse Conservancy. Eric is a former board member of the Michigan Humanities Council, Michigan Historical Society, Emmet County Historical Commission, National NAGRPA Review Committee, Harbor Springs Historical Museum, and the Michigan Commission on the Commemoration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812.

This program is part of the Holland Museum “Tales from the Archives” series which explores local history topics supported by the Holland Museum’s collection and archives.