The Obelisk at Sault Ste. Marie’s Brady Park is being relocated.
This monument marking the 50th anniversary of the Soo Locks was installed in the center of an Indigenous burial site without consultation. Sault Tribe and Bay Mills Indian Community have been advocating for its relocation for the past 27 years.
“The Obelisk’s placement on our ancestors’ burial grounds was a painful reminder of a time when Tribal voices were ignored. Its removal is an important step toward healing and shows respect for our people, our culture, and our sacred sites. We appreciate the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ partnership in making this right.” — Sault Tribe Chairman Austin Lowes
“As the previous Cultural Repatriation Specialist for the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians from 1999-2014, I had the opportunity to work on the issue of our Burial Ground and its desecration. There were many discussions regarding our Burial Grounds including its protection and preservation. Included in this discussion was the issue of a commemorative Obelisk placed in the middle of our Burial Grounds. To us and other Tribal Nations, this Obelisk was a reminder of a time when things were not the best. These discussions weren’t always of a friendly nature.”
“Through these discussions have come many resolutions to the issues at hand, The Obelisk, with its removal is the latest to be resolved (included), we have long hoped that this would happen. Now, the day has come! We celebrate the decision of the USACE (United State Army Corps of Engineers) to agree to its removal. We are grateful to the many people that were a part of this discussion and resolution, both past and present.”
“While many have retired and no longer a part, their contributions can not go unmentioned. This collaboration has been historic by nature, taking over 25 years to come to this decision and current implementation. We are a resilient and patient people, we understand that things that took decades to occur cannot be undone overnight. We are still here!” — Cecil Pavlat, Cultural Repatriation Specialist from 1999-2014 and Current Elder Advisor
“As Anishnaabek we have the responsibility to care for and protect our ancestors and other relatives who rest at Wadjiwang (Brady Park) I have had the honor of working on this particular project for the last three years and I have a deep respect for those who have been there since the initial consultation between the Sault Ste. Marie Tribes of Chippewa Indians, Bay Mills Indian Community, and the US Army Corp of Engineers. The removal of the Obelisk from our Sacred Burial Grounds was a result of many years of dedication by many Anishnaabek people for our ancestors.” — Emma Donmyer, Repatriation and Historic Preservation Specialist II 2025- Present
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