Troy, Michigan – The Troy Historical Society will
host two special presentations on Indigenous culture and history at the Troy
Historic Village on February 16 and February 17. Both talks are led by Nathan
Wright, an Indigenous herbalist and member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of
Chippewa Indians.
A descendant of medicine people on both his parents’ sides, Wright will share how Indigenous peoples in Michigan have used trees and plants for medicine, shelter, food, and transportation, both historically and today. He will give program attendees a better understanding of the first peoples of this land and discuss the importance of the Land Back movement for Indigenous peoples.
“We’re excited for Nathan to give these presentations at the Village,” says Troy Historic Village Adult Programs Director Stephanie Arwady. “Nathan was here last year as one of our Indigenous Voices presenters. That program was limited to fifth graders in Troy Schools, but the feedback we got was that older students and adults were very interested in learning Indigenous history, too. These talks in February are designed for and open to the general public.”
Wright is also the owner of Herbal Lodge (www.herballodge.com), the company he
founded to promote health and wellness through the use of organic, wild
harvested, natural and alternative medicine. In addition to sharing ancient
knowledge, Wright will also share his insights on growing herbal plants in
backyards and using them to improve overall well-being.
The Troy Historic Village will offer Wright's presentations for
free as part of its Great Michigan Read programming. Those who have read Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley, the book chosen by Michigan Humanities as the 2023-24 Great Michigan Read, will enjoy going beyond the book to learn more about Indigenous culture and history. But even those who haven’t read the book are encouraged to attend one or both of Wright’s talks.
Wright will present “Land Back: Our Teachers, Our Truth, Our Connection to Mother Earth” on Friday February 16 at 7:00pm and “Anishinabek Herbalism of the Great Lakes” on Saturday February 17 at 10:00am. Both programs are free, but space is limited. Participants are asked to register in advance at https://www.troyhistoricvillage.org/programs/great-michigan-read/
or by calling the Village at 248-524-3570.
Photo credit: Anna Kelly Photography
About Troy Historic Village
Troy Historic Village is located at 60 West Wattles Rd., Troy MI. The Village is open year-round and showcases eleven historic structures in a charming five-acre complex. Visitors of all ages can explore Michigan history by witnessing and sharing the lifestyles of the pioneers who established homes and farms in rural Troy Township during the 1800s. Offering a wide variety of activities for children, field trip opportunities, and a diverse range of lectures and events for adults, the Village aims to enrich lives as they connect visitors’ experiences to the past and to each other. They use the buildings and artifacts as tools to preserve the stories of our past and create meaningful experiences through educational and community programs.
