City proclaims Jane Schoolcraft Day

SAULT STE. MARIE — Sault Ste. Marie is now dedicated to celebrating a major historical figure from the Soo, as every second Saturday in August will now be recognized as Jane Bamewawagezhikaquay Johnston Schoolcraft Day.

The Sault City Commission announced the new city holiday during their meeting on Monday, July 15.

Schoolcraft is the daughter of one of the Soo's earliest settler families. She is considered the first Native American writer of poetry. Her writings are the first known writings of literature written in both the English language and her cultural language of Anishinaabe Ojibwe.

Schoolcraft's achievements were considered even more significant since they happened in a time when the advancement of women was discouraged.

She was born in the Soo in 1800 and was homeschooled in town. She spent most of her life in the Upper Peninsula and eventually moved to New York.

The Water Street historic homes include the Johnston and Schoolcraft houses, where she completed many of her works.

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In 2008, the state of Michigan recognized Jane Schoolcraft’s accomplishments by inducting her into the Honored and Distinguished Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame.

"I thought we could make it possible to utilize the historic homes we have to recognize her," said Tom Brule-Tocco from the Chippewa County Historical Society at the commission meeting. "Today, in a way, we got to bring her home."

— Contact Brendan Wiesner: BWiesner@Sooeveningnews.com