By Bay Mills History Dept.
For Bay Mills News
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Continuation of Tecumseh article from Bay Mills News of Feb. 23, 2006
Now to what does this have to do with us here at Bay Mills?
Well Waabjiijaak, who was killed with Tecumseh that day, was ancestor to many Bay Mills members today.
The children of the Lucy LeBlanc, James and Walter Smith families are direct descendents through Shingabawossin.
The Mary Daigle Parish family are direct descendents through Kawgayosh, brother to Waabjiijaak.
And the Cameron family through Shingabawossin's daughter Janette.
Many people in our community and area say they never heard of Tecumseh when asked. But in truth many of us here have been directly affected by his life and his vision. So when someone asks if you ever heard of Tecumseh? You may be one of the many Bay Mills members who can say, "Yes, my great great etc. uncle fought and died along side him that day at the Battle of Thames. And also there was my gr. gr. etc. grandfather who fought but lived to tell the story."
A final quote from Tecumseh: "So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide. Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and grovel to none. When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself. Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision.
"When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song and die like a hero going home."
Wanda Perron and Paula Carrick work in the Bay Mills History Department.
