Donald Chippewa III | Community Member Spotlight
Who are you? Give us a little peek into your background, lifestyle, work, interests, and goals.
Donald Chippewa III, Anishnaabe Mishiike Dodem, Greater Lansing resident
I’m Donald Chippewa III, Anishnaabe Mishiike Dodem, owner of Gimishoome Design.
I was born and raised in Nkwejong (Lansing, MI). In my early years, I participated and volunteered at Cristo Rey Community Center on the north end and served on the youth board at Capital Area United Way. I also participated in local events to help raise awareness and money for the Ranney Skate Park, including a sidewalk that stretched down Lake Lansing to prevent others from losing loved ones walking next to the road like I did. I grew up skating all over Lansing. Shout out to Dayone and Behady. Now, I mainly snowboard, as it seems safer, but then again, ice is pretty hard.
I’m a city Anishnaabe who packed a Rubbermaid tote attached to my skateboard and rode the Greyhound to Seattle, Washington, where I met my wife, Anna, and became a field engineer in telecommunications. After my 10+ years in telecom, I moved back to Lansing’s north side to do what I enjoy, work in art/crafting, and be closer to family and community.
My goal is to create meaningful change through honest words and actions.
Tell us about a recent local event or experience you enjoyed.
I was thoroughly amused and excited to finally make it out to Old Town Krampusnacht. This was my first year going out to the Krampus event and now I plan on going every year and possibly participating in the parade. I find that most of the events held in Old Town are awesome and I live within walking distance.
If you could only eat at ONE locally-owned restaurant for an entire month, which would you choose (and why)?
Thailand on North Larch, across the street from Otto. The owners are some of the coolest people in the world and all the food is delicious!
Which local business, organization, or place deserves way more attention than it gets?
It’s too late, but The Real Papa John’s (not that nasty chain restaurant)! So, back to my previous answer, Thailand. It’s family-owned. The mother and father who opened it up are some of the nicest people, and that extends down to their kids, who are now running it. This is a Lansing staple of the north side!
What’s a piece of life advice you’d like to share with anyone reading this?
Be careful of people with cheap smiles and flaccid words.