1. George Bonga was a fur trader, entrepreneur and interpreter for the US government, who was of Ojibwe and African descent, fluent in French, Ojibwemowin and English.
21 Facts About George Bonga
1. 2.
In 1867, George Bonga served as an interpreter during treaty negotiations which resulted in the creation of the White Earth Indian Reservation.
3.
George Bonga was featured in the "Black American Pioneers" exhibit at the National Great Blacks In Wax Museum and was mentioned in the United States Congressional Record during the introduction of the National Great Blacks Commendation Act of 2003.
4.
Pierre George Bonga worked as a fur trader with the Ojibwe near Duluth.
5.
George Bonga's first son Stephen Bonga, born 1799, became a notable fur trader and translator in the region.
6.
George Bonga's daughter, Marguerite Bonga was born on c 1797 and married the first Swedish settler in Minnesota, Jacob Fahlstrom and the couple lived and worked near Fort Snelling for a time before establishing a farm in Afton in modern-day Minnesota.
7.
George Bonga followed in his father's footsteps and entered the fur trade.
8.
George Bonga first joined the American Fur Company as a voyageur.
9.
Years later, George Bonga's signature appeared on treaties in 1847 and 1867.
10.
George Bonga was described as standing over six feet tall and weighing over 200 pounds.
11.
George Bonga had gained an education among both European and Ojibwe societies, and frequently crossed their borders.
12.
Comfortable in white and Ojibwe society, George Bonga identified with both.
13.
Reportedly, George Bonga called himself one of the first two "white men" in Northern Minnesota.
14.
George Bonga was speaking of his participation in 'white' culture.
15.
George Bonga criticized white men who treated Ojibwe trappers unfairly.
16.
George Bonga wrote letters on behalf of the Ojibwe, complaining to the state government about individual Indian agents in the region.
17.
George Bonga trailed the man over five days and six nights during the winter, eventually catching him.
18.
George Bonga brought the suspect back to Fort Snelling for trial.
19.
George Bonga was unpopular with some Ojibwe because of his role in the case, but he continued living with or near the people for the rest of his life.
20.
Some travelers reported on George Bonga telling stories of early Minnesota and singing for their enjoyment.
21.
George Bonga died there when he was around seventy years old.