In honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day JoAnne Cook, educator and chief appellate judge for the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians will share information about the original way of life of the Anishinaabe: culture, tradition, spiritual view, world view and living as a nation, tribe, and community. Leelanau Historical Society (LHS) hosts the in-person event at 4pm on October 10 at the Munnecke Room (Leland Township Library), 203 E. Cedar. St. in Leland.

Cook, a member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians, is from Peshawbestown. She will cover the impact of the changes that occurred in the Great Lakes Region — societal, environmental, legal — and how it changed the way of life of the Anishinaabe.

She received her Business Administration degree from Ferris State University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Wisconsin School of Law. Cook was involved in the organization and development of two alternative courts: Peacemaking and Healing to Wellness Court. The alternative courts utilize tradition and culture which allows for healing and restoring balance for those involved. She has begun consulting with native and nonnative communities who are either developing Peacemaking or a Healing to Wellness Court. 

Cook has presented to various communities on the way of life and culture of the Odawa. She believes tradition and culture is vital to the Anishinaabe way of life and has continued her learning about the Three Fires people. In addition, she previously taught Business Law for Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) and a course at NMC Extended Education titled Native Law and Culture.

Historic photo of Peshawbestown photographed by Beebe.