Marquette commission approves phase 2 of 7 Grandfather Teachings monument, with one abstention

The Marquette City Commission approved phase 2 of the 7 Grandfather Teachings monument on Feb. 9, authorizing a contract with artist Jason Quigno to design, fabricate and install a stone sculpture titled Ishkade.

City staff told commissioners the project, to be placed at the foot of Baraga Avenue and the walking pier, will depict three flames representing the Three Fires Confederacy and complete the larger monument. Funding is provided through the Forecast Public Art Foundation’s Midwest Memory Grant, subcontracted to the city by the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community; staff said the total artist commission budget is $72,000 and that the amount is included in the city’s approved FY2026 budget.

Commissioner Larson moved to authorize the mayor and city clerk to sign the commissioning contract for the work; the motion was seconded and carried. Several commissioners praised the cultural and aesthetic value of the sculpture. One commissioner who serves as a tribal representative on the monument committee said they had not received reimbursements but would abstain from the vote as a precaution to avoid any appearance of conflict of interest. The motion carried with one abstention.

The city’s Arts and Culture Division and the Public Art Commission will coordinate project oversight, with design advisement from a Monument Committee that includes tribal representatives assembled for purposes of the grant. The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community is listed as the grant subcontractor with the Forecast Public Art Foundation Midwest Memory Grant as the funding source.

With the contract authorized, staff will proceed with commissioning and scheduling fabrication and installation as outlined in the city’s project plan.