Two replicas of Christopher Columbus’ ships have drawn protests from Native American groups. The boats – called the Niña and Pinta – are touring the Great Lakes this summer and are now tied up in Grand Traverse Bay at the Clinch Park Marina.
The Columbus Foundation, which owns the boats, says the Niña and Pinta will educate the public on the type of ships "Columbus used to discover a new world in 1492."
A statement from the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians says:
In most ways the boats are no different from any of the various tourist activities offered throughout the area by representing the past in present replica physical form. But in several critical ways, they are uniquely damaging, because the replica ships represent the narrative of "discovery" of the "new world" by European claimants and the devastating consequences of the "discovery" for indigenous people. The Nina and Pinta are symbols of a standard and system of thought that should be repugnant to the American ideals of equality and property rights for all people.
In that same statement, the Band invited people to come to the Eyaawing Museum in Peshawbestown to learn more about their history and culture.
Credit Morgan Springer
Credit Morgan Springer
Credit Morgan Springer
Credit Morgan Springer
Credit Morgan Springer
