With a Bear Clan pipe on his left arm and a diamond willow walking stick in his right hand, Chief Bemidji stands poised, looking into the beyond. This is artist Gareth Curtiss’ interpretation of Shaynowishkung, who was given the honorary title of Chief Bemidji by early settlers. The resemblance between Curtiss’ vision and descendants of Shaynowishkung brought relatives to tears last week. Donnie Headbird, great-great grandson of Shaynowishkung, recalled how his cousin Bev Raish began crying as soon as Curtiss unveiled his models of what will be the city’s new Chief Bemidji sculpture. Continue Reading
Most Discussed This Week