Photo: AP News

By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - February 26, 2025


Since 2019, February 26 has been recognized as Norman W. Deschampe Day in the City of Grand Marais, as well as the State of Minnesota. Normal Deschampe, a band member and tribal leader of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, gave so much to the local community where he was born and raised.  

Norman was first elected to the Grand Portage Tribal Council at age 23 and would go on to serve for 45 years, 27 of them as Tribal Chairman. 

His list of accomplishments is many, but here are some highlights:

• Helped establish the charter school in Grand Portage
• Was instrumental in building relationships between Grand Portage, the City of Grand Marais, and Cook County
• Was the former president of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, a northern Minnesota tribal government that represents six Ojibwe bands
  
• Helped tribal members secure off-reservation treaty rights, especially in hunting, gathering, and fishing practices
  
• Served on the Minnesota DNR’s Aquatic Invasive Species Advisory Board and worked towards creating a more sustainable ecosystem in Grand Portage by fighting damage done by invasive species (specifically ones that have harmed community traditions, such as harvesting wild rice and fishing)
• Worked with the National Park Service and facilitated co-management of the Grand Portage National Monument with the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
• Supported community-based ideas such as WTIP North Shore Radio and the Cook County Chamber of Commerce, fostering them to become true community resources.
  

After his death on February 9, 2019, at the age of 65, numerous tributes rolled in, and hundreds of people packed the Grand Portage Community Center to celebrate his life. Jay Arrowsmith-DeCoux, who was the mayor of Grand Marais at the time, declared February 26, Norman's birthday, as Norman W. Deschampe Day, which Governor Tim Walz then followed. 

According to the State of Minnesota proclamation, "Norman Deschampe dedicated his life to improving the lives of the people of Grand Portage through programs supporting education, health, and economic development; and Norman Deschampe promoted the understanding of traditions and customs of the Grand Portage Band and the stewardship of natural resources essential to the culture of the Chippewa; and WHEREAS: It is fitting that the State of Minnesota acknowledges the contributions and legacy of this elected leader who has had a life-long impact in the State."

Each year, the Cook County Chamber of Commerce issues an award in honor of Norman Deschampe, which recognizes his legacy, leadership, and community involvement. The award is given to a community member whose "dedication to the business community is exemplary." Past winners include One Roof Community Housing (2019), the entire Cook County Community during the pandemic (2020-2021), Kelsey Kennedy (2022), Shele Tofte (2023), and Donna Lunke (2024).

In the past, to honor Norman's memory and legacy, local businesses and members of the community have made donations to various community-based organizations in Grand Portage on this day. Others remember his kind and generous nature, share stories, and reflect on the incredible ways he gave back and made positive changes in the community that are still felt today. 


Sources:
MPR News
Boreal Community Media
Star Tribune
Quetico Superior Wilderness News
State of Minnesota


This article was originally posted on February 26, 2024, and was recently updated on February 26, 2025.