Скачать или смотреть The Legend of George Bonga: The First Voyager Born in Minnesota

Black history is Minnesota history. George Bonga and his sibling, Stephen Bonga, were the first white people born in Minnesota– even though they were Black. Well, much like Nigerians refer to most Americans and Europeans as oyinbo regardless of race, the Ojibwe referred to non-natives as white.

Their story doesn’t just stop at their births on the North Shore of Lake Superior. George Bonga had an illustrious life as a renowned fur trader, pioneer, interpreter, and guide. At the age of 18, he served as an interpreter for the governor of Michigan Territory because he spoke Ojibwe, French, and English due to his upbringing in American and Ojibwe societies. Following in his father’s footsteps, he became a voyager in Northern Minnesota and trapped game for the beaver fur trade. His legends grew. People spread word that he could carry 700 pounds of goods at a time on his trips and make his way through any situation. He eventually held prominent positions in the regional commerce and was well-connected to powerful people in the US government. His signature even appears on treaties between the US and various tribes in Minnesota.

George Bonga was an advocate for Ojibwe people. Being able to move and operate freely, he advocated for Ojibwe fur traders and pushed for fair treatment in the trade. He pushed against white traders that mistreated indigenous people. His identity and upbringing led him to be an arbiter between the US government and Ojibwe people. This led to some friction as George played apprehended an Ojibwe man for the US courts who was suspected of murder. In this, he represents a tension that exists between Black Americans and indigenous communities. With a foot in each community, the lines of right and wrong get muddled. While he advocated for indigenous people (which he himself was half Ojibwe) they served the government.

Even with his convoluted story, he is someone worth remembering for his advocacy, understanding of the natural world, and ability to navigate unique circumstances as a Black and Indigenous person. If you want to learn more about him, be sure to follow the links below:

https://wisconsinhistory.org/Records/...

https://aaregistry.org/story/stephen-...

https://leech-lake.com/celebrating-af...

https://blackpast.org/african-america...

https://escholarship.org/uc/item/1zm0...

https://blog.ontarioparks.ca/george-b...