George Bonga Half black, half Ojibwe, George Bonga was the first-known person of African ancestry to be born in the Minnesota Territory. His size and power left a legend-sized impression on everyone who met him. The combination of his race, size and strength made him an ideal fur trader and treaty translator. Not only was he able to withstand harsh physical labor, he was able to forge vital relationships with both Indians and Europeans. © 2004 Twin Cities Public Television, Inc.