Land Justice Futures hosted a webinar with Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration Sue Ernster and Eileen McKenzie, along with representatives from the Lac du Flambeau, Zachary Allen and Gregory Johnson. Together, they shared the history, relationships and process that led to the FSPA’s decision to return the Arbor Vitae (Marywood Spirituality Center) property to the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, the original caretakers of the land.
"It [Marywood Spirituality Center] means a lot to us. It continues to mean a lot ot us, and will continue to mean a lot to us," shares Sister Sue. Building on the spirit of continuity, Zachary concluded the webinar by expressing that the tribe wishes to continue the relationship with the FSPA.
The initial statement by FSPA, “A historic act of restoration: FSPA returns Arbor Vitae property to Lac du Flambeau Tribe,” was published on Friday, Oct. 31.
Image above: Image taken at the Marywood land transfer ceremony on Oct. 31 in Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin.