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KBIC leaders request halt in Mt. Bohemia Ski Hill construction
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Mt. Bohemia
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BARAGA -- Keweenaw Bay Indian Community leaders have asked Crosswinds Communities of Novi, Mich., to stop
construction of the Mount Bohemia Ski Hill near Lac La Belle because of artifacts and burial sites reportedly discovered on
the mountain. Expressing their concern for the natural environment, including Lake Superior, the Tribe has also asked
Crosswinds what permits they have obtained for sewage systems and what is the comprehensive plan for the environment.
A letter from Tribal Chairman Richard Shalifoe to Bernie Glieberman, Crosswinds
president, and his son Lonie Glieberman, who is directing and marketing the proposed
ski resort development, addresses two major concerns of the tribe--cultural, historical preservation and environmental impact.
"I am writing to register the strong opposition of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community
to the proposed development of a ski resort at Mount Bohemia by Crosswinds,"
Shalifoe says at the beginning of the letter. "The Keweenaw Peninsula, and specifically
the Bete Grise/Mt. Bohemia/Copper Harbor areas, is a vortex of the migration of not
only the Anishnabe people, but those of other tribes, such as the Cherokee, Sioux, and
Cree. This area was the home of a vast village to all our people, as well as ceremonial grounds, burial grounds, and sacred fasting places."
The letter says burial mounds have been unearthed and remains have been found on Mt.
Bohemia and reported to the KBIC. The KBIC letter says artifacts such as pottery
shards, fabricated copper pieces, fire-cracked rock and quartz pieces have been found
on this site. It adds the Tribe's concern that Crosswinds did not complete a cultural
survey of the site and did not consult the KBIC on potential disturbance of cultural and historical sites.
"Given the observation and knowledge the Tribe has of this area," the letter notes, "we
are formally requesting that you immediately cease all operation and damage to Mt.
Bohemia until such a survey, with the assistance of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, can be completed."
Reacting to the letter, Lonie Glieberman announced on WBKP, Channel 5 television last
week that none of the MJO employees clearing the trees from the hill have found
artifacts and that work would continue on the ski hill construction. He said temporary
"no trespassing" signs have been posted for the blasting segment of the work to ensure
safety and discourage vandalism. Some signs are also marked "danger" to warn people to stay away from these sites.
Noting also the Tribe's concern for the natural environment, the letter reminds
Crosswinds that, under the 1842 Treaty with the Chippewa, "the community retains
hunting, fishing and gathering rights in territories ceded to the United States, which include Bete Grise Bay/Mt. Bohemia/Copper Harbor."
The letter asks Crosswinds what permits they have obtained for sewage systems and what is the comprehensive plan for the environment.
- Michele Anderson
July 7, 2000
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