Warrior Girl Unearthed

Perry doesn’t text Erik for the rest of the week. At work, Cooper tells her that understanding the perspective of the anthropologists strengthens their fight. The Mackinac board of trustees and repatriation team is coming to town for a community luncheon event. Cooper tells the assembled community members that the goal for the day is “to welcome our guests and foster opportunities for the Tribe and Mack State to work together” (105).

When everyone at the luncheon introduces themselves, Perry lists her maternal ancestors so that the board of trustees know “our Anishnaabe teachings are not abstract concepts or folklore” (107). When Fenton speaks after Perry, she lists her professional credentials.

After introductions, Cooper is supposed to deliver a talk about NAGPRA, but Chief Manitou introduces Rocky Manitou, who does “an exhibition dance” (108) in hoop dancer regalia, horrifying Perry and Cooper but pleasing the Mackinac crowd. After the dance, Perry interrupts before Chief Manitou can speak to say that she’s been charged with taking the Mackinac group on a tour of the museum.

Perry shows them the museum’s creation story exhibit. Since Cooper’s speech was co-opted by Chief Manitou, Perry weaves in questions for him with her presentation.