On Friday, May 31, a ceremony at the courtroom in the Cook County Courthouse in Grand Marais will dedicate the flag of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, placing it in an honored place with the flags of the United States and the State of Minnesota.
The program, commencing at 10 a.m., is open to all members of the public. The Honorable Steven B. Hanke, Judge for Sixth Judicial District, will offer opening remarks and extend a warm invitation to join him in this significant event.
After an invocation, the Stonebridge Singers and the Grand Portage Honor Guard will honor the flag. Robert Deschampe, chairperson of the Grand Portage Tribal Council, will speak to conclude the ceremony.
Immediately following the ceremony, coffee and pastries will be served in the Cook County Commissioners Room on the courthouse’s first floor.
The ceremony highlights the Grand Portage Band’s self-governing authority. Having their flag displayed in the courtroom signifies their legitimacy within Cook County. The flag represents the Grand Portage Band’s heritage and identity, and the dedication ceremony is a way to honor their culture and traditions within the legal system.
The flag dedication ceremony is not just about the Grand Portage Band, but about the entire Cook County community. It’s a collective step towards acknowledging and respecting the Grand Portage Band’s legal jurisdiction, making it a community event that everyone is encouraged to participate in.
