Please help the LTBB Natural Resource Department (NRD) cement  Wings of Wonder (WOW) and former long time WOW icon Rebecca Lessard’s legacy by partnering through donations to secure the funds necessary for the construction of the Archie Kiogima ba Migizi Aviary and Rehabilitation Center. Total project costs are estimated at $2.3 million. We are well on our way to that funding goal however a significant amount of funding is needed yet.  The Migizi Aviary will be the first tribal eagle aviary and raptor center east of the Mississippi River and one of only eight nationwide. The top-notch facility will be located on LTBB owned property north west of Pellston, MI (northwestern part of Michigan’s lower peninsula) and will provide educational opportunities for local schools and groups in addition to providing rehabilitative services to eagles and other non-eagle raptors.

“After 30 years of caring for eagles every day, it was my fondest hope to find a way to pass along my expertise to an organization that could carry this important work into the future. Looking into the eyes of eagles, watching them take flight as they are released back into the wild, it is no wonder that Native Americans revere them. What a joy to be able to help the tribe establish a space of sanctuary and healing for these extraordinary creatures.”, Rebecca Lessard.

Rebecca worked with the LTBB on the project design (Seven Generations Architecture & Engineering) in compliance with state and federal laws. She is committed to making this project a success for LTBB NRD and Migizi Aviary team.

We can’t think of a better way to honor Rebecca and WOW’s legacy for the hundreds of eagles and other raptors she has ‘blessed and released’ than to help build this incredible facility. Over the years, LTBB NRD rescued and transported sick and injured raptors to WOW for treatment. Many of these birds were released on tribal lands.

• The What: Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians (LTBB) Natural Resource Department is seeking like-minded Tribes, groups and individuals in the care and protection of injured Eagles and other raptors through the development of top-notch facility on Tribal land nestled within a Tribal community. The facility will be the nations 1st Tribal Eagle Aviary east of the Mississippi River.
• The Need: The retirement of Rebecca Lessard and the closing a Wings of Wonder(WOW) means that there is no long a raptor facility providing services to northern MI and the eastern UP. Upwards of 20-30 eagles per year went through the WOW facility for rehabilitation. There is currently not a facility available to address the need.
• The How: The LTBB Migizi Aviary and Rehabilitation center has 3 phases: 1. Rehabilitation mews to rehabilitate injured eagles and other raptors, 2. Animal lab/clinic for intensive care, check in, food preparation and office space, 3. Migizi Aviary flight pen to permanently house non-releasable eagles.
• The Cost: The total cost of the facility is $2.3 million. LTBB kicked off the funding Campaign March of 2021 and to date has raised $1 million. The project was put out to bid. 1st two phases came in at $1.7 million and Phase 3 came in at $600K. The bid is valid through July 15th. $1.3 million needed to complete all phases.