Minong Traditional Cultural Property
The Minong Traditional Cultural Property is a Traditional Cultural Property, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2019. Minong is the Ojibwe name for Isle Royale, and the TCP designation recognizes the lasting relationship the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has with the island. The TCP covers the island itself, the greater archipelago, and the traditional fishing waters surrounding the islands.
History and significance
Archeological evidence suggests that the Ojibwe have used Minong for fishing and copper mining far back in prehistoric times, but it is unclear whether this evidence is from people from the Grand Portage Band or another closely related tribe. The first known written document that confirms Ojibwe on Minong dates from. Travel to and from Minong from the mainland was common during this time period. As Europeans moved into the area, the Ojibwe became involved with commercial trapping and fishing, and commercial and subsistence fishing on Isle Royale continued for many decades into the nineteenth century.During the twentieth century, members of the Grand Portage Band continued to use Minong for subsistence hunting, fishing, trapping, and maple sugaring, as well as commercial ventures in these areas. Some members were also involved in resort and recreation on the island. This continues to the present day, as the Band opened the Grand Portage Marina in 1971, providing a place for boats to leave from Grand Portage to Isle Royale National Park for fishing and diving expeditions.