Simon Otto’s home was the place of many stories. He was born in that home with his mother instructing his father of how to deliver him. He heard many stories of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe that he then would share with others. Many meetings were conducted there by his father, Foster, for the Michigan Indian Defense Association.
Most of the stories came from Simon’s grandfather as well as a woman named Susan Madwagon. At one point, Simon Otto turned to his Elders to show respect and gain permission to tell stories year-round from the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe. Certain stories were meant for the winter time. Yet, Simon was granted the permission to carry on the tradition whenever he felt moved to do so.
Simon would have gone to Mount Pleasant Indian Industrial Boarding School when he turned 8 years old. Though, Simon said that he would run and not be found when the time came. Thankfully, the school closed down before he was forced to go there. He remembered his mother attending this school. She used to speak Ottawa but was punished for uttering it until she could only speak English.
Many Native Americans were treated the same way. Simon said that this led to many turning to alcohol. As a result, Simon gained education and certificates to help people with addictions as well as to guide people in mental health needs. He was one of the founders of Harbor Hall where people can go to get the help. This is a place of refuge even today.
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I appreciate Simon Otto for sharing stories…even if the stories were usually told in the winter. He turned to his Elders and received permission to tell these stories year-round. What a great example of respect and also preserving and passing along these stories!
Simon Otto still has a story. You have a story. We all have stories.