The Great Lakes tribal nations were instrumental in the eventual creation of the United States, through decades of warfare. From the French and Indian War to the War of 1812, Anishnaabek forces from Michigan fought a series of wars to protect their rights and homelands. These actions taken by these Anishnaabek warriors not only helped shape America but the fate of their respective nations. The event will be held on October 19th, 2026 on the Allendale Campus in the Russel H. Kirkhof Center room 2263. The talk will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by a light, catered lunch at 12:00 p.m.

Eric Hemenway is a member of America250MI, Michigan’s official State Committee for the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States’ founding. He has done extensive public history work regarding Indigenous people in the Great Lakes. This has included creating exhibits, document collection and preservation, writing educational publications and curricula, and working with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. 

The Older Than Tulip Time: Mexicans and Mexican Americans in Ottawa County, 1920-1950 lesson plan is now available. Is this lesson plan, students will explore the history of Mexican American migration to Ottawa County in the early 20th century. Students will utilize primary sources to understand the causes of Mexican American migration to Ottawa County, explore cultural interactions between Mexican American immigrants and the established Dutch American population, and learn how migration shaped the demographics and economy of Ottawa County. The two-day lesson plan emphasizes a collaborative learning approach by utilizing groupwork-oriented assignments. 

All lesson plan materials are free to use and can be accessed at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12NZBnTgY6lLTKLzbOyLVwysoQoXCAf71?usp=drive_link