Lesson 1.1

Welcome to the first lesson of the course.
Key question for historians: Where do we begin our story?
- This relates to how we periodize history.
Emphasis on starting with the native population of Michigan.
Highlighted the importance of understanding the native presence to comprehend Michigan's history up to the present day.

The native presence is much older than the European presence in Michigan.
Module One will discuss the native presence, referencing Susan Sleeper Smith's work.
Native peoples' history is vital to understanding Michigan's development.

Reference to Rosen Trader’s text: "The First Residence" focuses on prehistoric Michigan.
Important to question how histories are written and characterized.
Key issues identified in Rosen Trader’s Book:
- Page 3: Misleading statement on the Huron tribe being named by the French.
- Correct understanding: The French applied names but native tribes had their own self-identifying terms.
- Focus on Tribal Identity:
- Native individuals identified themselves through kinship, family, clan, and community, not by imposed labels (e.g., Ottawa, Pottawatomie).

Reference to Page 6: Statement that Pottawatomie were "docile and affectionate" towards the French is problematic.
Generalizations lead to stereotyping and misinterpretation of the complexity of native identities.
Critical examination of Rosen Trader’s statements:
- Page 7: Assumption that the Fox tribe was always warlike is an oversimplification.
- Page 8: Statement that Native peoples did not have a written language is outdated and inaccurate regarding contemporary native literacies.

Native peoples are not monolithic; identity varies greatly.
Importance of recognizing the diversity and complexity among various native societies.
They are similar to our own communities, having variations in social structures, economic setups, and cultural practices.

Hunting and Gathering Villages: Small, family-based; migratory based on resources.
Farming Communities: Established horticulture, engaged in agriculture; often near water resources for fishing.
Urban Environments: Found in regions like the Pacific Southwest and Mississippi River Valley with larger populations.
- Examples of significant urban centers included:
- Cahokia near St. Louis, Missouri: Described as the largest city north of Mexico with populations up to 40,000.
- Pueblo Bonito in the American Southwest with complex urban structures.

Reference to Ojibwa seasonal patterns:
- Summer months: Settlement in villages near fishing grounds; use of wigwams.
- Winter months: Abandonment of baseline fishing areas to hunt; reliance on dried foods.
- Spring rituals: Gathering of maple sugar and a return cycle to fishing areas.
The seasonal round is an organized community practice rather than a nomadic lifestyle.
Use of community-owned territories to avoid competition for resources and emphasize family rights or "use rights".

Inter-community relationships through marriage and kinship lead to connected networks.
Trade networks existed prior to European arrival and were significant for the fur trade.
Importance of recognizing existing economic relationships when Europeans entered Michigan.

The deep history of native peoples is essential for understanding the broader Michigan history.
Importance in teaching and presenting Michigan history accurately.
Acknowledgment of complexities in both historical narratives and contemporary realities of Native American identities.