Anishinaabe Edinokiiwad (where the Native people work)

Mary Murray
The MMCC Lodge

The Mary Murray Culture Camp was the vision of a tribal elder, the late Mary Murray. She said she saw the need for “a place where little brown faces can learn about who they are as Indian children, and where they can learn about their culture to become proud of their Native heritage.” To that end, in 1975, she donated the 40 acres on Sugar Island where the camp sits with the stipulation it be used to provide a place to maintain and preserve the tribe’s traditional way of life.

The camp is cared for by the Sault Tribe Language & Culture Department, which is responsible for providing meaningful camps, activities, and events that focus on Anishinaabe life ways and traditions through the teaching of traditional life skills and land-based education. There are a variety of activities offered, including but not limited to, camps for winter survival, sugar bush (maple syrup and sugar), snowshoeing, lodge teachings, smoking giigoon (fish) and processing Waawaashkeshi (deer). Many workshops are also held for those wanting to learn how to make things like moccasins, baskets, moose hide mittens, ribbon skirts and other traditional arts and crafts. Ideas and suggestions for future camps and workshops are always welcome.

The Language & Culture Department is available for Anishinaabe cultural awareness workshops and activities at local schools, programs, and organizations.

The Culture Camp also provides a venue for tribal programs and community organizations to host their own retreats. Some of the retreats held in the past include fasting camp, language immersion, International Scholars, women’s wellness, cultural sensitivity, and Protectors of the Earth.

For our tribal community and families, the Culture Camp has hosted many ceremonies and gatherings such as feasts, sweat lodges, Elder gatherings, nature trail tours, and powwow accommodations.

Contact Information

Mary Murray Culture Camp
266 Homestead Road
Sugar Island, MI
Phone: 906‑635‑5604

Brett Blackwood
MMCC Maintenance Technician
Phone: 906‑203‑6713
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Eva Collins
Cultural Activities Coordinator
Phone: 906‑635‑6510, ext. 26141
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Cody Jodoin
Director of Language & Culture
Phone: 906‑635‑6510, ext. 26140
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