LCC dedicated Niswi Ishkoden (Three Fires), a new sculpture on our Downtown Campus, on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Monday, Oct. 12.

The sculpture takes its name from the Three Fires Confederacy, whose people once inhabited the land on which LCC now stands. The piece presents each of the Seven Grandfather Teachings — Love, Respect, Bravery, Truth, Honesty, Humility and Wisdom — through copper medallions, native language and art, welcoming all who pass through our campus.

This sculpture and the teachings it represents were shaped in consultation with a committee of Indigenous leaders from the local community and LCC, along with members of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and faculty at Bay Mills Community College. Niswi Ishkoden was designed by LCC’s Bruce Mackley.