The History of Totem Village
From hand-carved totems to a cultural legacy carried on—this is the story of a unique Upper Peninsula landmark.
Chief White Wolf & his wife Violet – 1943
The Origins
Ralph McCary and the Early Years (1943–1952)
The Chippewa Totem Village was originally built by Ralph McCary (a white Catholic) in what can be best estimated as early as 1943. Ralph and his wife Violet moved to the Upper Peninsula in 1938. Where he began working as a woodsman/ lumberman. Working with the local Odawa tribesmen began his love for the culture and traditions of the Native people of the area. Ralph bought land in the Point Aux Chenes area from Harold and Marie Knight that at the time owned and operated the Point Aux Chenes Resort, where he began building his Chippewa Totem Village. In 1948 he suffered an accident and heart attack which took him from the woodsman business and began his carving career. He carved commissioned totem poles for many customers. His well known statues still stand in many places including the Paul Bunyon and Blue Babe Ox that still stand at the Castle Rock tourist attraction to this day.
1952
Honorary Chief of the Chippewas
A Chief is Made
Honorary Chief and Cultural Preservation (1952–1962)
Ralph was made an Honorary Chief of the Chippewas in 1952. By the local hereditary Chief John Lufkins (Wayzhowwushkoqwon) of the Ojibwe tribe. Because of his extensive knowledge of the four degrees of the Medicine Lodge and his knowledge of the meanings of the totem poles. At this time in history it was illegal for the local natives to have any cultural icons or participate in any ceremonies pertinent to the native cultures. For the native people they could be imprisoned and have their land taken away for participating in any ceremonies of their culture. Because he was white and his business was considered a tourist attraction, Ralph, now known as Chief White Wolf was able to preserve the rich history and cultures of the local Native tribe. He held Powwows, sweat lodges, naming ceremonies, and Sundances. Ralph wrote of his endeavors and growing dissatisfaction of the Catholic Church and the treatment of the local native people in his sermons at his church, which was located on his property. In his book Reminiscences originally published in 1952 he made a really good point, “The Indian people, being of an emotional nature, are very imaginative, living a life of close adherence to moral codes, their rituals and formalities.” (pg. 38-39) Later on he then talks about the disputes that the local Indians had with the White Men, primarily because of the “intolerance of the zealous missionary representatives who were not tolerant in their attitudes” (39) in reference to the early Christian converting groups He died in 1962 at 56 years of age. His son Pat also made an honorary Chief, took over the business and ran it until 1970.
- “It is a time honored custom among our people to make known in few words what is in our breasts and mind. Therefore my friends we have set forth the truth and philosophy of the Chippewa people in our displays on Totem Trail” – Chief Ralph “White Wolf” McCary
Chief Walking Bear – Pat McCary
1970
The Legacy Continues
Nancy May Outside of Totem Village – 1978
Nancy May & Relocation
Nancy May purchased the store and property and continued the legacy of the Totem Village. She worked with many of the local natives, artisans and craftspeople. In 1983 the highway US-2 was rebuilt and her land was condemned by the state and taken by eminent domain. Forcing her to tear down the buildings. She relocated the business to Manistique MI, where she stayed for 3 years.
1986
Moving
Rebuilding & Community
In 1986 Nancy married Fred Dandonna who owned the local KOA Campground. They carved a section of land from the KOA campground and rebuilt the store in its current location. Nancy ran the store and built a petting zoo also. Customers would come in and be surprised to see baby bobcats, skunks, and foxes in the store. A large building was added where the Totem poles were displayed and models of the two local historic forts. She and her family ran the store for 42 years. In 2012 she retired and put the business up for sale. A failed bargain shop and bakery occupied the building for a short time, and then an auction house. In 2014 having no buyers for the business she auctioned off the totem poles, the fort models, and the balance of her inventory. The building sat empty until 2016 when she sold the business to a St Ignace Native Mr. Ron Daniels.
Outdoor Exhibit Pieces
2016
Present Day
Turtle Sun – Ron Daniels
Present Day Operations
Ron purchased the store from Nancy in the fall of 2016, the store had been empty by that time for over 2 years. Nancy had worked the store alone for the last few years alone. The building and land had fallen into disrepair and needed lots of work . I set out to restore the store’s infrastructure to bring the building into the future. My sight set on honoring the history of the Totem Village. I added “The Historic” to the name because of its long history in the area. And also because a certain downtown store hijacked the google name Totem Village while it was closed. Ron was born in St Ignace in 1959. His family moved away in 1964. First down state then to Ohio and finally to Florida where he lived until 2014. He was always into arts, crafts, music and industrial arts. He went on to become a General contractor building hundreds of homes. He earned a US Method of Manufacture Patent, he went from building homes to owning and operating a custom millworks business. In 2009 the economy collapsed and everything he had built was lost to the banks. Sensing a divine shift in his life he was led back to his home and his native roots. He became a sundancer and deeply involved in his traditional culture, owning an American Indian gift shop felt like a natural extension to this vision. Continuing the tradition of working with and supporting the Local Native artists and craftspeople and the Culture of the Straits area Indians. I am honored to be welcomed back into my Native community and to continue to support native people and our rich culture.
