I came to my interest in the Ojibwe of Northern Wisconsin in a similar way. Back in the late 2000s, my family and I bought a house on Lake Montanis, just outside of Rice Lake. My quest to learn the meaning of the lake's name introduced me to Aazhaweyaa (Montanis) and her family. I recommend Erik Redix's The Murder of Joe White if you're interested in more of that story. https://birchbarkbooks.com/products/the-murder-of-joe-white
Thanks for the book recommendation! I did not know about this case. And it reminds me of the Walleye Wars of the 1970s here in Wisconsin. The Rice Lake area is a beautiful area. Even in the cold weather. Do you fish in Lae Montanis?
I don't live there anymore, and I'm not much for fishing. But I have scads of photos of my kids standing next to the lake holding up Northern Pike nearly as long as they are. :)
The Walleye Wars was one of the defining local events of my high school years (I grew up in the Rice Lake area). Not Wisconsin's finest moment, for sure.
Such an important reminder and distinction. As you say, the Homestead Act, by which so many of our families became landowners, is more than just a splinter.
Antonia Malachik (On The Commons here on Substack) uses the metaphor of a tap root. Whenever we think we've cut down the thistle of colonialism, it persists and spreads further afield.
I'm glad you are here and appreciate your enthusiasm (TWO exclamation points). Your support over the years has been greatly appreciated. You are my ideal reader. You're still interested!
Yes and no. Yes, in that you are correct in recognizing the discrepancy between five and twenty-five years before the US government would issue a clear title to land; but no, in that homestead claims are not the same as allotments. I think you can see how the Homestead Act helped shape the idea of allotments. More on allotments next week! THANK YOU for reading so carefully Linda!
Wow! This was excellent. Revealing, authentic, informative, clever! I loved how you identified the different "levels" of understanding with respect to "homesteader." I see myself in that dangerously romanticized misconception. I learned so much in this short read. What incredible insight, Jill. This is really appreciated.
Thanks for reading Stephanie! It is heartening to hear you recognize your own romanticization of the concept of homesteading. It's interesting to see how the meanings have morphed yet the policy impacts continue today with my tax bill.
I came to my interest in the Ojibwe of Northern Wisconsin in a similar way. Back in the late 2000s, my family and I bought a house on Lake Montanis, just outside of Rice Lake. My quest to learn the meaning of the lake's name introduced me to Aazhaweyaa (Montanis) and her family. I recommend Erik Redix's The Murder of Joe White if you're interested in more of that story. https://birchbarkbooks.com/products/the-murder-of-joe-white
Thanks for the book recommendation! I did not know about this case. And it reminds me of the Walleye Wars of the 1970s here in Wisconsin. The Rice Lake area is a beautiful area. Even in the cold weather. Do you fish in Lae Montanis?
I don't live there anymore, and I'm not much for fishing. But I have scads of photos of my kids standing next to the lake holding up Northern Pike nearly as long as they are. :)
The Walleye Wars was one of the defining local events of my high school years (I grew up in the Rice Lake area). Not Wisconsin's finest moment, for sure.
Such an important reminder and distinction. As you say, the Homestead Act, by which so many of our families became landowners, is more than just a splinter.
Antonia Malachik (On The Commons here on Substack) uses the metaphor of a tap root. Whenever we think we've cut down the thistle of colonialism, it persists and spreads further afield.
Thanks for these photos! I can’t unsee your prairie dress!
I see the dress and I see the prairie but not until you mention it did I see it as my prairie dress.
Interesting! Thanks for sharing!
I'm glad you are here and appreciate your enthusiasm (TWO exclamation points). Your support over the years has been greatly appreciated. You are my ideal reader. You're still interested!
So homesteaders who were non-Indian had 5 years to live permanently and improve the land, and Indians had 25!
Yes and no. Yes, in that you are correct in recognizing the discrepancy between five and twenty-five years before the US government would issue a clear title to land; but no, in that homestead claims are not the same as allotments. I think you can see how the Homestead Act helped shape the idea of allotments. More on allotments next week! THANK YOU for reading so carefully Linda!
It’s amazing how “they” inculcate with the romance of whitewashing. We really are wooed to think a certain way.
Evidently the romantic vision remains alive. Search online for "homesteading" today and you'll find mostly doomsday preppers and wilderness survival material.
Wow! This was excellent. Revealing, authentic, informative, clever! I loved how you identified the different "levels" of understanding with respect to "homesteader." I see myself in that dangerously romanticized misconception. I learned so much in this short read. What incredible insight, Jill. This is really appreciated.
Thanks for reading Stephanie! It is heartening to hear you recognize your own romanticization of the concept of homesteading. It's interesting to see how the meanings have morphed yet the policy impacts continue today with my tax bill.