Gun Lake Tribe gives Wayland Middle School culture lesson

The Gun Lake Tribe of Potawatomis recently visited Wayland Union Middle School to share their Native American culture and history with students. , Tribal Council Chairman DK Sprague , Frank Sprague, Jeff Martin and Heather Bush all took part in the presentation, talking about the meaning of the Eagle Staff and what the three fires represented. DK Sprague talked to students about the history of the Match-e-be-nash-she-wish tribe and the great war chief, for whom the tribe is named. Bush taught students how to say “Hello” in their native language and that there are many more descriptive words when compared to the English language. At the end of the presentation, they taught students and staff how to do a traditional Native American dance as Frank Sprague played the drum. They gave a hand-woven basket to Principal Carolyn Whyte and each staff member received a handmade bracelet. (Photo courtesy of Laurie Zywiczynski)