Ma-Ka-Tai-Me-She-Kia-Kiak Lodge #140 began in 1938 as Blackhawk Lodge. Within a year, the Lodge needed to adopt a new name on account of another lodge already using the name Blackhawk Lodge. The Lodge chose to adopt Chief Blackhawk's name in his native language--Ma-Ka-Tai-Me-She-Kia-Kiak. The lodge had to start with a core cadre of initial inductees getting "tapped out" and inducted at other ceremonies in the region--for instance at Camp Delevan.

Year-by-year history is visible in the following pages. The information comes from a variety of sources. The Ma-Ka-Tai-Me-She-Kia-Kiak details through 1963 are taken from a locally published supplement to the OA Handbook. The remainder is from the lodge and from individuals memories.

Ma-Ka-Tai-Me-She-Kia-Kiak #140 History 1938-1971

Wetassa #227 History 1938-1971

Wulapeju #140 History 1971-Present

The Merger: The most significant event over the intervening years is the merger of Ma-Ka-Tai-Me-She-Kia-Kiak #140 and Wetassa #227. The merger was completed in 1971. It was not completed easily due to strong loyalties, long and proud histories, and strong leadership on both sides. Neither side wanted their history or legacy diminished by an unfair merger.

It has been told to me that the Northwoods camp staff was in a unique position to be constructive peacemakers. The Northwoods staff already felt like 'outsiders' due to their far distance and that they were not "Camp Lowden". Some on the Northwoods staff such as Walt Marti came from the US Grant/Wetassa Lodge with prior Canyon Camp experience. Also, Dave Walter and Brian Rassmussen came from Blackhawk/Ma-Ka-Tai-Me-She-Kia-Kiak. The three of them advanced the idea of the PeacePipe Totem and the name Wulapeju at the 1971 Fall Conclave where the merger was completed.

The 30 years intervening suggest that the merger has been a success. Canyon and Lowden continue their proud histories and Lodge members from all corners of the Lodge work together to make a strong and active Lodge. If you have memories of the meetings and concerns leading up to the merger, please share them. With the filter of 35 years, I'm sure we can all view the details of those times with appropriate perspective.