The Cheboiganing (Burt Lake) Band of Native Americans were the first permanent year-around residents of Michigan's Tip of the Mitt region. Their ancestral land along Cheboiganing (Burt) Lake dates back to the early 1700s. During the 1850s, members of the small Band constructed log cabin homes near the mouth of the Maple River in the area of Maple Bay, on Cheboiganing (Burt) Lake's Indian Point. Along with their 20 or so log homes, and agricultural fields, Band members constructed a Catholic Mission Church, a log rectory, and a 5 acre cemetery. Their Indian Village, as it was referred to, thrived until Monday October 15, 1900. This is the story of the destruction of Indian Village- now referred to as "a bitter memory."

This event is a part of Native American Heritage Month which is celebrated throughout the month of November. For a full list of events, please visit MESA's website.