National Park Foundation provides seed funding for Minong exhibit
Isle Royale National Park is a destination for more than 25,000 visitors each year. One of the nation’s most remote national parks, it is internationally recognized for its moose and wolf populations, fjord-like harbors, spectacular shorelines, and native fisheries.
Known as Minong, or “the Good Place,” in Anishinaabemowin, the island is a significant part of the North Shore Ojibwe’s traditional cultural history and ancestral land. Many families canoed to Minong and have roots there to fish, hunt, trap, make maple sugar, gather plants, and for spiritual practice. Isle Royale is a nationally recognized traditional cultural place for the Grand Portage Band.
Few Isle Royale visitors know about the Grand Portage Band’s deep and timeless roots to the island, but with the building of the new Hat Point Marina and terminal building, there is a place—and an opportunity—to share this largely untold story.
New ferry terminal creates opportunity for interpretation
In late 2024 the Grand Portage Band will complete the ferry terminal building at Grand Portage, Minnesota’s Hat Point Marina, home of the Voyageur II and Sea Hunter III ferries that brings one third of the visitors to Isle Royale. It is the only marina in the state of Minnesota for operating public transportation ferries.
The Band has joined with the National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation, Grand Portage National Monument, and Isle Royale National Park to create an interpretive exhibit that tells the story of the long-term connection between the Gichi Onigaming (Grand Portage Anishinaabeg) and Minong (Isle Royale).
With seed funding from the National Park Foundation Inclusive Storytelling Grant Program, a multistakeholder exhibit team will develop a plan for the installation of large interpretive panels with photographs, illustrations, maps, and explanatory text telling the story of the Gichi Onigaming’s past and current relationship with the island. Anishinaabemowin place names and the stories behind them will be a key element of the exhibit along with information on Minong’s national designation as a Traditional Cultural Place.
The National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation is working to raise awareness and the additional funding needed for this important project. Stay tuned for updates!
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About The NPLSF
The National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation (NPLSF) exists to provide financial support for projects and programs that preserve the natural resources and cultural heritage of the five Lake Superior national parks: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Grand Portage National Monument, Isle Royale National Park, Keweenaw National Historical Park, and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Funded through grants and private donations, NPLSF projects and programs ensure that these great parks and historic sites are maintained for the enjoyment of all current and future visitors.
To learn how you can support our work visit nplsf.org/donate.