Medweganoonind facts for kids

Medweganoonind was an important leader, known as a chief, of the Ojibwe people. He lived at the Red Lake area in Minnesota. His name means "who is heard spoken to." He lived for about 84 or 91 years and passed away around 1897 or 1898.

Who Was Chief Medweganoonind?

Medweganoonind was a tall and strong man. People who knew him said he was a very wise and fair leader. A person named Joseph Gilfillan described him as someone who always acted with honor and spoke thoughtfully. He was known for being calm, loyal to his friends, and very patient. He cared more about his people than himself. His good judgment and wide understanding would have made him a great leader anywhere.

Protecting His People's Land

Medweganoonind was the main chief of the Red Lake Band during important talks in 1889. These talks were about a new law called the Nelson Act of 1889. This law aimed to change how Native American lands were owned. The United States government wanted to divide up tribal lands into small pieces for individual families.

Standing Up for the Red Lake Band

Chief Medweganoonind met with a group sent by President Benjamin Harrison. He bravely spoke up for the rights of the Red Lake Band. He worked hard to protect their land at Red Lake. Because of his efforts, the Red Lake Reservation stayed as land owned by the whole tribe. It was not divided into individual plots, which was different from what the U.S. government wanted. This was a big win for the Red Lake Ojibwe people.

Medweganoonind's Legacy

Chief Medweganoonind's leadership and dedication are still remembered today. The library at Red Lake Nation College is named the Medweganoonind Library in his honor. This shows how important he was to his community and how his legacy continues to inspire.