Wyoming — West Elementary students who visit the redesigned “Anishinaabek: The Original People of this Place” exhibit at Grand Rapids Public Museum will learn a lesson from their assistant principal — in holographic form.
When visitors push a button, Jacob Skaggs appears as a hologram, introducing himself and speaking about “dagwaagin.” The Anishinaabemowin word for fall, dagwaagin is part of the exhibit’s focus on seasons. He tells of its ties to the The Medicine Wheel, used by Native American tribes for health and healing, and the stages of life.
“I hope that by sharing some stories and history of my culture with the kids, it sparks their curiosity to want to learn more about their own cultures.”
— West Elementary Assistant Principal Jacob Skaggs
He also introduces other Native words; talks about lacrosse, a 1,000-year-old Native fall sport; and presents traditional tools made from trees.
Skaggs is a descendant of the Bay Mills Indian Community and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. His Native name is Noondaw Aki, which means, “hears the mother Earth voice.”
He said he auditioned for the exhibit role after a colleague shared a posting about the opportunity for Anishinaabek actors to portray seasonal guides and storytellers. He sees it as a way of connecting with others, including West Elementary students, who come from many countries and cultures. West classes are scheduled to visit the exhibit at the museum next semester.
“I hope that by sharing some stories and history of my culture with the kids, it sparks their curiosity to want to learn more about their own cultures,” Skaggs said.
“Any time I get the chance to speak about my heritage, whether it be with kids or adults, there are always a number of people who tell me about the similarities between my culture and their own. I love to be able to use these experiences as a shared learning opportunity for us to all see that we are more similar than we are different.”
Celebrating Heritage
Skaggs’ family has a long history with the museum’s exhibit. His great-grandmother, Mable Shomin, and cousin, Arlene Naganashe, appeared on video in GRPM’s original Anishinaabek exhibit, which opened more than 30 years ago. Anishinaabe, which translates to “original people,” includes tribes from the Great Lakes region: Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi.
“I thought it would be cool to keep it in the family and maintain the tradition,” said Skaggs, who is also known in Wyoming Public Schools for his basketball skills.
Skaggs regularly shares his culture with West Elementary students during the school’s annual Multicultural Night by presenting artifacts and drumming with his grandmother, Mary Bryant. He often visits classrooms in November, which is Native American Heritage Month, to present lessons on the topic.
“A visitor can’t leave without understanding that Anishinaabek people are a modern, important part of our community, not just a topic to learn about from the past.”
— GRPM Director of Education Erin Koren
Skaggs said he’s had an interest in his heritage since he was a child, when his great-grandmother shared indigenous language and culture with him. In college at the University of Toledo, Professor David Erben, who teaches about indigenous literatures, encouraged him to explore his culture, and he was inspired to continue to do so.
Every year, he also presents a lesson at Owens Community College, in Ohio, with Bryant on Indigenous Peoples Day. The main theme of his presentation this year was about learning to explore your own heritage.
An Exhibit for Today
Erin Koren, GRPM director of education, said the redesigned Anishinaabek exhibit, which opened Oct. 12, brings together years of work with many collaborators and partners. The exhibit focuses on Anishinaabek culture’s past, present, and future, underscoring that Anishinaabe communities still live here.
“It’s so important that this exhibit tells important stories about difficult things in the past,” Koren said. “I love that it uses so many different types of engagement strategies — technology, sensory (components). I like that it’s brighter, welcoming and invites learners to really connect and check it out.”
Skaggs is an example of Anishinaabek in the community today, she explained.
“One thing that is fantastic about this exhibit, and an improvement from the past exhibit, is that a visitor can’t leave without understanding that Anishinaabek people are a modern, important part of our community, not just a topic to learn about from the past,” she said.
Teachers can bring their students to the museum for a self-guided visit with a free GRPM-provided educator guide. Visits led by staff educators are also available. Related programs include a planetarium show called “Living in Balance: Anishinaabe Star Knowledge.”
Classroom resources are also available in case a visit isn’t possible, or to supplement a visit, Koren said. For more information, visit GRPM.
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