ESCANABA — Delta Force students learned from area history experts and cultural leaders for History and Culture Day on Thursday, June 30. Students discovered the fascinating history of Delta County, and the contributions that the Hannahville Indian Community makes to our local economy.

History and Culture Day, the fifth session of this year’s Delta Force Class, was held at the Delta County Commerce Center and the Hannahville Indian Community Potawatomi Heritage Center. The day started with breakfast sponsored by the Sisters of Steam, and a presentation by Ann Jousma-Miller about the history of Delta County.

Historical presentation from Ann Jousma-Miller

Jousma-Miller gave a fascinating presentation on the history of the cities that make up Delta County area, and told students stories about some of the founders of the area towns. She then led the students on a tour of the Webster Marble ‘Inventing the Outdoors’ Museum and the Upper Peninsula Military Museum.

Delta Force student Kevin Chown was inspired by the meaningful local content and the attention to detail in the museums. “The museums are curated in a way that allows the visitor, as a person from the Upper Peninsula, to be able to understand the military history of the U.P. in a personal way,” he said.

Students were also impressed by the vast amount of knowledge that Jousma-Miller passed on about the history of the surrounding towns.

“Today was a humbling and eye-opening day. I can further appreciate the history of the shoreline towns in Delta County as well as their Founding Fathers. I had no idea how much our little Upper Peninsula has played a part in military efforts throughout the years. You’d never realize the lives that have been sacrificed for our freedoms that are from the U.P.,” Delta Force student Amanda Jo Kleikamp said. “Anne’s extensive history knowledge was amazing. Her time and dedication to the Chamber’s museums truly shows. I hope many community members go take a tour. There’s so much to see and appreciate!”

“It was really fascinating,” Morgan Eagloski, another Delta Force student, agreed. “She [Jousma-Miller] was a vibrant speaker, and she radiated with energy and excitement about the history of our area, which really captured our attention.”

The students asked questions and shared their experiences, offering Jousma-Miller positive feedback about her presentation.

Students then moved on to the next segment, focusing on the culture and traditions of the Hannahville Indian Community (HIC) at the Potawatomi Heritage Center. Students enjoyed lunch at the Heritage Center, and listened to presentations from leaders at the HIC.

Native American Culture–Potawatomi Heritage Center and Hannahville’s Economic Impact

Presentations from Cory Sagataw, Language Technology Developer with the HIC, and Mia Smith, Tribal Career Development Manager, focused on both the Potawatomi Culture and how the community has grown over the years. Sagataw’s presentation clarified some of the myths and stories about the culture, and Smith’s presentation gave a fascinating overview of the scope and reach of the HIC.

Next, HIC Chief Financial Officer Scott Herioux gave a presentation on the U.P. Community and Economic Impact of the HIC, including a discussion of its two percent slot machine revenue payout for community and municipal projects.

The economic impact of the Hannahville Indian Community is staggering, as both a major employer and a major economic engine for the Central U.P. Specifically, over the years, the tribe has paid out over $24 million to different community and municipal entities.

“Hannahville has become an exceptional corporate citizen and governmental partner,” Herioux said, noting that the Tribe takes its role as a corporate citizen very seriously.

Students learned a great deal and were appreciative of their newfound knowledge.

“It was a privilege to have been able to visit the Potawatomi Heritage Center. I travel through the Hannahville Indian Community Reservation often as I live in close proximity to it. It was nice to be able to learn more of the history and culture of our local tribal lands and people,” Kleikamp added. “Their community involvement and assistance is endless and very much appreciated. I feel I’ve gained so much knowledge about my ‘neighbors’ and the community I’m raising my children in. Thank you to Delta Force for another amazing opportunity!” 

Finally, students had the opportunity to tour the HIC’s Aquaponics facility, aptly named AquaTerra, and learned how the staff at the facility grows their own vegetables and sells them at local grocery stores, including Elmer’s County Market, Fazer’s Market, the Island Oasis, and Massie’s Country Market.

Next month, the Delta Force students will learn about local, state, and federal government and the political process on Government Day.

The objective of Delta Force is to identify participants with potential for community leadership; acquaint these leaders with community issues, resources and opportunities; increase the leadership skills of program participants; provide participants with opportunities to network and exchange ideas with each other and with community leaders; assist participants in finding volunteer roles in the community; and encourage graduates to continue their involvement by participating in community service programs.

Created and facilitated by the Delta County Chamber of Commerce, Delta Force encompasses a series of ten full-day sessions covering such areas as media and communications, education, leadership, health and community services, law and order, government, and other key segments of our community. Visit HYPERLINK “http://www.deltami.org/delta-force-leadership-program” www.deltami.org/delta-force-leadership-program for more information about Delta Force.