An Odawa Oral Tradition about the Underground Railroad

 

 

The discussion highlights an event from the early 1830s, passed down in Odawa oral tradition, of Odawas and Ojibwas accompanying twenty freedom seekers from the site of contemporary Grand Rapids in western Michigan to central Ontario via Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This story demonstrates the importance of oral tradition in exploring the Indigenous role in the Underground Railroad, the importance of Native Americans in that movement, and the alternative routes they sometimes used to assist freedom seekers.

 

Dr. Roy Finkenbine, Professor of History and Director of the Black Abolitionist Archive at the University of Detroit Mercy, will share his research on this history, highlighting archival and oral source materials. Odawa and Ojibwa Spokespersons will share their wisdom and understanding of their history and offer comment on Dr. Finkenbine's research.