“On June 18th, 2022 the bones of Fr. Jacques Marquette were reburied at their original gravesite in St. Ignace. Initially placed there in June of 1677, they had been missing since 1877. Two hundred fifty-three people joined us as Native American spiritual leaders led the ceremony with guests from Canada, Wisconsin and Washington State. Sounds of traditional Anishinaabe drums and whistles from the bones of eagles filled the Museum Courtyard. Pipe carriers brought prayers, sage, and tobacco offerings. Ninety-year old Al Fritsch, S.J., a Jesuit priest, traveled from Kentucky to be present for this effort that he initiated 20 years ago.
At the closing of the afternoon, a young man, a Native fire-keeper from Mackinac Island, looked up and saw a single eagle hovering over the gathering. He sent this photo, taken on his phone, to Jesuit Jim Boynton, one of the planning team members.
One-hundred thirty-six individuals provided donations to make this event happen at no cost to the St. Ignace community. If there are those of you who wish to help carry on the work of that community’s Museum of Ojibwa Culture as caretakers of Fr. Marquette’s burial site, you may direct those contributions to “The Return” via the Cedar Tree Institute. They will be forwarded specifically for this purpose and you will receive prompt confirmation of your gift.
A film is currently being edited by CTI’s friend Makari Rising documenting this story of hope and healing. It will be available on this website on October 1, 2022.
To the Museum staff .. Shirley, Tom, and Francie…….And to Russ, Tony, Jim and Dave, deepest thanks for this past year of prayers and planning.
Father Jacques Marquette has come home.”
JW Magnuson
June 25, 2022
