Harbor Springs Trip - The Children's House

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Harbor Springs Trip

by Compass Junior High Students
Friday, October 4, 2024
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Our class traveled to Harbor Springs to learn about the Anishinaabe and their incredible and inspiring history. Eric Hemenway was kind enough to teach us about his culture and the history of Holy Childhood, a Native American boarding school. We stayed at Wilderness State Park for the night and enjoyed Odawa classics that consist of wild rice, squash, and for a main, delicious fish. 

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When we arrived at the campground, Eric met us and we discussed the history, culture, and traditions of the Anishinaabe. The campground we stayed at was once called Little Fox. While we stayed there, some of the class saw a little fox run across the beach. It was pretty incredible. After dinner, we finished the night off with a closing circle and the option to go to the beach and enjoy the stars. The stars that night were so enlightening. 

Day two had many adventures. First, we got up early and enjoyed cornmeal pancakes with blueberry preserves and freshly made eggs. After, we headed to the sight of where Holy Childhood used to stand. Holy Childhood is one of 400 Native American boarding schools. Holy Childhood's goal was to strip Native Americans of their language, culture, traditions, and their family. Many of the survivors expressed how cruel and humiliating the conditions were. After learning about Holy Childhood we drove to Charlevoix and went to an Anishinaabe church and learned more about the tribes. After exploring, we headed home to Traverse City.

We would like to thank our school and teachers for taking us to Harbor Springs to learn about the Anishinaabe. Also, a big thank you to Eric Hemenway for taking time to teach us about his incredible culture.