Federal Recognition

The purpose of this knife was never to be used as a weapon or hunting knife but was supposed to be a representation of what the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians would create. The maker of the blade, Mary Wemigwase, was very involved in the arduous process of reaffirmation of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of  Odawa Indians federal recognition. Many tribes still struggle with federal recognition. It wasn’t until 1994 that President Clinton signed the bill making the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, as well as many other tribes, that allowed them to be recognized federally and for them to have claims on their land near Cross Village, MI. More information on how the tribe and Mary fought for recognition can be found in this video link that follows: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRmjgKd2m6I)