Ojibwe dressmaker showcased Indigenous history at America 250 fashion show
Three handmade dresses highlighted Ojibwe history during anniversary event at Mall of America
Michele Hakala-Beeksma, a member of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, showcased three handmade Ojibwe dresses during an America 250 fashion show at the Mall of America, according to reporting from MPR News. Hakala-Beeksma, who works with the 1854 Treaty Authority, said participating in the event was important to ensure Indigenous history was represented as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary. The dresses represented different periods of Ojibwe history and were also displayed during the weekend event.
Hakala-Beeksma also presented the 1854 Treaty Authority’s exhibit, “Sovereign Nations: Discovering the Treaty Story of Minnesota’s Indigenous Peoples.” Dakota County Historical Society Executive Director Matt Carter said the organization expanded its America 250 programming to include Indigenous perspectives. Hakala-Beeksma told MPR News that treaties remain central to Minnesota’s history and continue to shape the relationship between tribal nations and the state.
- 1.MPR News.
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