Unceded Chippewa Native-American Land Repurposed to Include Bird Bath/Shed for Tools

Madison, WI
A recent Facebook post demonstrated that hipster couple Hayden’s Mommy and Daddy Stacey and Braydon Johnson freely acknowledge that their abode, located 25 miles outside of the capital city, is presently located on unceded Chippewa Native-American land.

“When we moved here, we didn’t really consider the history of the land we were purchasing. After doing some digging, we learned that our house is right smack in the middle of what used to be Chippewa land. As the unrightful stewards of this land, it is our obligation to demonstrate that we acknowledge this fact, and that we seek to right any injustice placed upon these noble people in any reasonable way possible to preserve the rights and customs of the Chippewa tribe, and all Native-American groups whose land was stolen then sold to us.”

When asked how they intended to right the wrongs of their ancestors, of which their lavish lifestyle depends, the couple noted that the backyard did not seem sufficiently pleasant enough to acknowledge the brazen theft of land and resources.

“After our acknowledgement I asked my hubby and I said, and I quote, “If we were Chippewa Native-American people, would we feel that our backyard properly represents our acknowledgment that we are on unceded territory?” We had to be honest with ourselves enough to recognize and acknowledge that we were indeed on unceded territory and that it could look better.”

After reaffirming their acknowledgment through a series of Instagram posts, the couple drove to The Home Depot, which is also on unceded Chippewa land, and purchased a tool shed and a memorial fountain/bird bath.

“It seemed disrespectful to have our garden tools strung out all over the backyard. This land was once pristine hunting grounds and here I am leaving a rake in the middle of the lawn. So we bought a “serenity shed” to store our tools so that any Chippewa Native-Americans in the area will know that we fully intend to acknowledge that this is their land, and that we will take care of it” Hayden’s Daddy Braydon said in response to our inquiry.

He continued: “…then Hayden’s Mommy Stacey had a wonderful idea that we should build a memorial to further acknowledge that we are inhabiting unceded Chippewa land. So we got some gravel, a birdbath with a fountain that will never run dry, and adorned it with Chippewa art we found at an antique store also located on unceded Chippewa land. Next year we intend to tear out our invasive grass and replace it with a watering hole/pool intended to further cement our affirmation that, in another time, our property may have been used to give drink to thirsty horses after a hunt.”

Asked if perhaps their property taxes should be used, in part, to economically compensate survivors of the Chippewa Native-American tribe, Hailey’s Daddy Braydon stated “while we acknowledge that we are on unceded Chippewa Native-American land, we also understand our limitations in our ability to compensate for the injustice, and while we may contribute financially at a later date, sort of blew most of our budget on the bird bath thing.”