Native American Heritage Month Kicks Off in Style

Singer/Musician Scott Kirby (I) accompanies Kelly Jackson during her performance.
Singer/Musician Scott Kirby (I) accompanies Kelly Jackson during her performance.

December 1, 2014 – Download Full Issue

In honor of National Native American History Month (November), Kelly Jackson, recording artist and a historic preservation officer, graced the FCP community with her presence on Nov. 4, 2014.

Jackson is a member of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. She was raised by her strong-willed mother and an uncle. At about the age of three, Jackson’s father was taken from her life far too soon; she feels blessed to have had her uncle step up as a father figure in her life. Her uncle is the one who handed her the gift of a guitar, and she has continued to play it until this very day. She said, “Music is more than just a form of expression for me; it’s etched in spirit and rooted in my soul.”

Jackson shared a special song with the crowd that she first played on the guitar, which, according to her uncle, was also one of her real father’s favorite songs: House of the Rising Sun. It was an absolute delight to hear her rendition of this song considering the personal emotions it represented for her.

In addition to this piece, she played many songs from her album, including Spirit of a Woman, which also won Best Folk Recording of the Year at the Native American Music Awards. Jackson and her accompanist, Scott Kirby, who is also an amazing musician, entertained the audience for a good hour with meaningful songs delivered with beautiful voices.

At the beginning of her presentation, she discussed her work and commitment to preserving the BIA Boy’s Dormitory, part of the boarding school in Lac du Flambeau. Not only is Jackson a talented musician, she is also an historic preservation officer for her tribe. She believes that preserving the history of her tribe and others is important as life lessons for future generations.

Jackson presented a story about a little boy named Mooshkinewatang who attended this school. She was able to let us see and feel what it would be like for a young child—who could have been either our own or a grand- child—to be taken away from us and sent off to a boarding school miles and miles away. Later in her presentation, she sang a song about this young boy that she had written to honor him.

Jackson also showed slides of old photos of the boarding school in Lac du Flambeau, which actually included people from the Forest County Potawatomi community who had been there. She then went on to show slides of the remodeling process that she was heavily involved with; it was amazing to see the finished product. The building now houses a research center for the community and visitors, and it also provides classrooms to teach the Ojibwa language.

Jackson is a strong and inspiring Native American woman. It was a privilege to meet her, hear her presentation, and enjoy her musical talent. She believes in her people and their history and wants to share that through her work and songs. After hearing her presentation, it is obvious she does a great job of doing so!

December 1, 2014 – Download Full Issue