BENZONIA — A local group of historical re-enactors are looking for fresh eyes on the past.
The Grand Traverse Rendezvous group will gather over Memorial Day Weekend, May 22-23 at the Benzie Sportsman’s club, where participants will take advantage of the opportunity to portray how people in Michigan would have lived between the mid-1700s to mid-1800s, from the French-Indian War to the Fur Trade era.
Traditionally, these assemblies were an opportunity for people of that period to get supplies, bathe, socialize, and more. Now, they carry a different opportunity — for those who love Michigan history to partially live it, and share it with those in attendance.
Bevin Buchler, a member of the group who has grown up participating in the rendezvous scene, carries a passion for the hobby.
“A lot of people are probably familiar with the reenactments that take place at Fort Michilimackinac. Those reenactments actually happen all over the state of Michigan and they happen in other states in the United States, too,” Buchler said. “We have folks that portray different regions and eras all within the same event. Essentially, we’re showing what life was like when Europeans first came to the United States and specifically to Michigan.”
These gatherings also often included competitions, such as black powder shooting, tomahawk throwing, archery and muzzle loading, which are reflected in the upcoming event with shooting and archery competitions.
But the hobby — once big for kids who grew up watching the ‘mountain man’ TV shows in the ‘50s and ‘60s — isn’t as popular, and the group is hoping to spark interest among a younger crowd.
“The younger generations aren’t joining as fast anymore,” Buchler said. “We would love to see new people get involved.”
She noted that many people come just for the competitions, and urged any who might be interested to show up and talk to any of the re-enactors, including herself, to learn more. As a history buff, she particularly loves the immersion of the hobby.
“When it’s not an event, and it’s the middle of winter, you can be working on the other skills that are involved. People do bead work, make clothing for the event,” she said. “It’s not necessarily a portrait of anyone in particular. It’s sort of a learning of skills and showing other people how we learned how to do those things.”
Reilly McKay, who is Anishinaabe, has been heavily involved with powwows, Native American organizations, and political activism since a young age.
He supports when rendezvous inform people about what lesser-known events may have been going on at the time.
“I don’t know if people know what tribes were fighting during the war,” McKay said. “I think promoting recognition of leaders at the time is important.”
But not all do it well, he said. An event at Fort Michilimackinack left him with a poor taste in his mouth.
“Teepees are an example. Pop culture puts them up, but not every Indigenous culture in North America used to use a teepee,” said McKay.
And there’s the potential of appropriation within portrayals.
“If you have a non-Native dressed up as a Native instead of getting a Native to participate, that’s my biggest concern,” he said. “If they’re using Native American regalia or items, especially things like feather fans, I consider that appropriation.”
While the Grand Traverse Rendezvous group has not had many Native American participants in recent years, according to Buchler, the history of European and Native American relationships, both good and bad, are a consideration that is kept in mind year to year.
“We have a deep respect for our Indigenous peoples, and we encourage them to come visit us too if they’re interested, we’d love to have them,” Buchler said. “Being a re-enactor of this time period has taught me all kinds of Indigenous history and crafts, and I support Indigenous causes here in the area. Their history is Michigan’s history.”
For those interested in checking out the event, or looking to show off their skills in shooting or archery, the event is open to all ages and backgrounds, and will be taking place at the Benzie Sportsman’s Club on May 22-23. Find more information on Facebook through the group, Grand Traverse Rendezvous.