what we do

We promote friendship and interest in the heritage of others. We do this -

By identifying communities which exhibit practices attached to their location and heritage.
By sharing information during the year with the public on how the heritage practices of a particular community are lived out.
By sponsoring The Chautauqua and Arts Festival at Old Crossing annually.

Our geographic area of focus is mainly the area defined as The Old Crossing Treaty land cession, i.e. The 21 counties made from that cession and the land base of the Red Lake Chippewa and Michifs (Métis) who were living here prior to The Old Crossing Treaty of 1863. It is in Article 1 of the Treaty that it is stated that friendship between the United States and the Chippewa shall be permanent.

We feel that friendship comes from meeting others and developing a sense of trust and positive collaboration which can lead to better lives for all. That is why we do what we do.

The photos which follow are from our 2023 and 2024 annual major public gathering which is the culmination of our yearlong public activities.

Since 1982, we sponsor an annual two-day Chautauqua and Arts Festival event at Old Crossing Treaty Park in Huot, MN on the fourth weekend of August.

*Photo by Grant McMillan, 2023

Chautauqua and Arts activities include exhibits or talks on the region’s history and heritage, professional artists, and local creative presentations.

* Photo of Keith Bear & Bud Larsen by Troyd Geist, 2024

Volunteers make our event a joyful social atmosphere, from the festival food menu to the Saturday evening bonfire.

* Photo by Grant McMillan, 2024

Our motto is Friendship. Through friendship we are drawn to understand others.

* Photo of Jason Benoit & Keith Bear by Troyd Geist, 2024

We present the 1840s history of Old Crossing on the Red Lake River which first became a place of crossing by ox cart caravans carrying merchandise to and from the Twin Cities.

* Photo from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_River_cart

We reflect on the treaty of 1863 which took place at Old Crossing. We explore the history and ongoing heritage of Red Lakers, Pembina and Metis people who have inhabited the area since the 1700s.

* Photo by Jeffrey Dawson, 2024

WE HELP people get involved in their communities and build relationships locally, regionally and around the world.

* Photo of Wendell Landen making brooms, by Troyd Geist, 2024

WE BELIEVE in the value of understanding as many cultures as possible. Professional artists and local presenters help us understand and appreciate all the cultures of those who were here and those who are still coming to live here since the Homestead Act and treaties of the 1860s.

* Photo of Ryan Keplin Band, from left to right, Range Blue, John Keplin, Ryan Keplin, and Riley Keplin by Grant McMillan, 2024

PLEASE JOIN US AS A GUEST TO ONE OF OUR EVENTS OR AS A SUPPORTING MEMBER.

Member and foundation support are essential to what we do.

Thank you.

* Confluence of the Red Lake and Clearwater rivers at Red Lake Falls, MN, by Jeffrey Dawson, 2024

Old Crossing Treaty Park

what we do

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