New Seven Grandfather Teachings tribal statue unveiled in Marquette

MARQUETTE, Mich. (WLUC) - The unveiling ceremony of the newest tribal sculpture in Marquette began with a spiritual chant on Friday evening.

Hundreds gathered to see the new ‘Seven Grandfather Teachings’ sculpture unveiled.

Upper Michigan native and Anishinaabe stone sculptor Jason Quigno created the sculpture.

The stones are placed in a circle at the entrance of a walking pier at Founder’s Landing. It’s at the Spear Dock walking pier south of the Ore Dock.

Quigno says the sculpture consists of seven stones with seven different meanings.

“A long time ago there were these seven grandfathers, and they are like spirits who brought these seven gifts to the people of the earth,” Quigno said. “So that’s where we came from the seven grandfathers and each of those has meaning. So, there is love, respect, honesty, bravery, truth, humility and wisdom.”

Quigno is a tribal citizen of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe.

He says he was able to complete this project in under two years, adding it’s important to have more Native American sculptures across the U.P.

“I’m a native artist you know, I know the stories, and it’s important to have our works here because it’s never been that way you know,” Quigno said. “We have always been in the background so it’s nice to have our stories and work in the forefront you know.”

Marquette City Commissioner Cody Mayer was also in attendance, and he says this sculpture is monumental for both the city and the tribal community.

“Having this type of art and this type of display here is just a great way to start a new chapter for the city and with our tribal relations and bringing people together,” Mayer said.

Quigno says he plans to add even more additions to this sculpture in the near future.