Boozhoo is “Hello, Welcome” in Ojibwe and this greeting sign welcomes visitors to Big Rock Library’s birchbark display.
Big Rock Library will hold an open house Saturday, March 11 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. to celebrate the new display of birchbark items from Native American Ojibwe culture.
Ray Miller, private collector, is sharing his love of the Northwoods with a collection of birchbark items from northern Minnesota. The wide variety of objects range from modern day birdhouses to a moose call trumpet.
Birch trees were an all-purpose resource for the indigenous people in the Northwoods so you’ll see examples of birch bark in transportation, shelter, containers, medicine, food, adornment, and décor.
At the open house visitors can meet the people behind the display, the collector and the young artist whose work embellishes the display. Visitors can stay to view the DVD on making a birchbark canoe in the way of the 1850s. The taste bar provides how maple syrup compares with birch syrup.
We hope you can join us at the open house, but the display will be ongoing until after the plowing match in Big Rock, September 16-17.
—Big Rock Library