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Irene Otto |   |
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 Irene Miller Chippewa Otto was born in Crawford County, Michigan and has lived in Peshawbestown most of her life. Her parents were Michigan Ottawa Indians. In the early days her father worked in a lumber camp and her mother was the camp cook. She recalls her family observing Indian customs and traditions.
When someone was in trouble we would band together and help them. If they were sick the women went over and did the cooking and took care of them--that's all traditional. At home we were taught to live by the Golden Rule. We observed some Indian holidays like All Souls Day which came on November 2. The Indians believed that the spirits came back for one day to visit the families and had a feast and celebration. The families who had someone who died during the year would put food in a container and burn it. When the food is destroyed the spirit could come back and eat with you. Irene Otto, Peshawbestown Interviewed by Betty L. Mann Photo by Peter M. Mann | |||
