Taking inspiration from classical precedents, many have statues as a part of their design, oftentimes as a focal point to ground the project. Lake Michigan and the surrounding land being native to the Ojibwe and Ottawa Native American tribes, it feels right to pay tribute to them and this sacred land. These tribes pay respect to the water spirit, “Mishipeshu”. Mishipeshu translates into “underwater panther” or “the great lynx”. It was thought of as the guardian of the water and responsible for the health of the lakes and could bring bounty as well as danger depending on how the lake was treated. I believe having this creature be a part of the monument would be very important to not only pay respects to native land but also to draw awareness to the care and respect that must be given to the Lakes.