Tomorrow marks the first of our local landmark Puff and Paint events. Join us in painting our first local landmark - Mission Hill Overlook. This is a place loved by many for generations. Here is some local knowledge by Tribal Elder Paula Carrick from the Bay Mills Ojibwe History Department.

“Well, I know it has always been a sacred spot for us. In 1662 we had our village up there and that area is where we spotted the Iroquois coming to wipe us out. We also did our dance and fasting ceremonies in that area (still to this day). Dancing and Fasting ceremonies were done to talk/Pray to the Creator. Dancing around the fire were Prayers sent to the Creator, asking for Strength and direction.

There were seven oak trees that grew in a circle, and in the middle was a circle bowl shape that was full of water that our ancestors used for watering the gardens, and used for sacred ceremonies and healing. Agnes Carrick (Paula’s Mother) remembers going there as a little girl to get water for her Dad, who was working in the woods. The water was a gift from the Creator, there was no explanation why there was always water contained in the bowl. Mom took us to try and locate it but we could never find any evidence it existed. Several of our people had their Sugar Bush up there from way back. Trail Marker Tree, still is up there.

A trail marker tree is where they would take a small tree and bend it, so it would grow to be big and it pointed to a certain direction. Travelers would know the way. It was also the first mailbox. They would make a whole at the bend of the tree and keep things in it that travelers would need in case they were lost. Mission Hill was a main food source for us. It provided meat, berries, water and our cultural.”

Trail Marker Tree photo provided by Bay Mills History Department