Gaa Bi Zhiwabag (That's what happened)

The Historic Preservation and Outreach Department is responsible for promoting Anishinaabek identity by emphasizing our long-term connection to the Great Lakes.  By encouraging our tribal members to embrace the idea that we are all part of a continuing story of the Anishinaabek, it is the ultimate goal of Gaa Bi-zhiwebeg to connect and unify the Sault Tribe through an understanding of our unique history and culture. 

The new department needs to develop the necessary resources, people, and organizations to accomplish this ambitious goal.  The Cultural Division contains a staff that can provide a nucleus for the Sault Tribe in helping to regain the cultural knowledge that has been lost due to the historical stresses placed upon our people.  The expansion of the Historic Preservation and Outreach Department, along with the other departments within the Cultural Division, will encourage the diffusion knowledge throughout the entire tribal service area.

Currently the Historic Preservation and Outreach Department is researching and developing educational resources that support community efforts to improve understanding of our cultural heritage.  By utilizing communications the department is able to inform tribal members of the accomplishments and goals of the Cultural Division.  Also the many events being planned and coordinated by Gaa Bi-zhiwebeg promotes our history and culture to both a tribal and non-tribal audience.  By securing a SEDS (Social and Economic Development Strategies) planning grant from the ANA (Administration of Native Americans), the construction of a tribal interpretive center could be a reality in the near future.  This facility will be the ideal place to demonstrate the vibrancy of our culture and history to not only our own people, but to the wider world.