Flickinger Elementary students wrap themselves in Michigan history

Third graders at Flickinger Elementary School connected with the Indigenous people of the Three Fires of Michigan: the Chippewa (Ojibwe), Ottawa and Potawatomi through a Native American presentation by Gary Ghareeb.

After learning about what life was like for Native Americans in Michigan in the days before statehood and creating Three Fires boards on Discovery Education channel, students experienced hands-on interaction with artifacts.

Ghareeb discussed Native American life, history and culture. Students especially enjoyed wearing replica furs and jewelry and examining Native American toys and tools.

“It would be hard to live in a wigwam in the winter but the furs would keep the heat in,” said third grader Dylan Roosen.

“The Native Americans used all of their natural resources well and they didn’t use them up,” included third grader Molly Collette.

The learning experience was made possible through the generosity of the Flickinger Parent Group.