Creation of Saginaw Chippewa Tribal logo explained

Observer Staff

8/16/2005 12:00:00 AM

By Julius Simon Peters

This logo not only represents the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe, but it symbolizes two very important people that had a major impact on my life.

At the age of seven, I lost my mother. I then went on to live with my Grandfather and my Grandmother.

The middle of the logo symbolizes the headdress worn by my Grandfather, Simon Peters. Simon Peters was a traditional man with old Indian values.

My grandfather's headdress was made of Eagle and Pheasant feathers. The Eagle is a sacred bird of the Indians. He chose the Pheasant feathers for the reason that it was a beautiful bird to him.

The top of the logo symbolizes the Yolk my grandmother, Annie Peters, wore upon her chest. She had once told me the floral design meant beauty and love.

The acorns upon the logo was worn by both my Grandfather and Grandmother. They considered the acorns to be a symbol of Indian people.

My grandparents had once stated to me, "The acorns are like the Indian people. Once small and new to the world, but with time, love and care, they will stand tall, beautiful, and mighty.

In a sense, the words they spoke to me are coming to be true. The once small Tribe that I grew up to know, is growing and prospering.

May the Grandfathers in the sky look upon us and bless us.

Therefore, the logo of the Tribe will always be a symbol of two very missed and loved people in my life. Megwetch.