February 26 is Norman Deschampe Day in Grand Portage, Grand Marais

The North Shore community lost one of its finest leaders in February. Norman Wayne Deschampe, chair of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, passed away on February 9, 2019 – just 17 days before his 66th birthday.

Norman had an impact far beyond the close-knit community of Grand Portage, as far as Washington D.C. and as close as the neighboring city of Grand Marais.

In recognition of his long service on the Grand Portage Tribal Council and his dedication to the community, Grand Portage and Grand Marais have designated February 26 – Norman’s birthday – as Norman Deschampe Day.

Please listen to the proclamation by Grand Marais Mayor Jay Arrowsmith DeCoux and a response from Anna Deschampe, sharing her family’s thoughts on the proclamation of the day of honor.

Click here to see the full Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa proclamation of Norman Deschampe Day.