Michigan Tribal Citizens Host Family & Water Advocate Event

Wounded Knee Warrior Helen “Granny” Red Feather at the Straits of Mackinac on Saturday, September 1, 2018. Photograph by Levi Rickert

Published August 26, 2019

STRAITS OF MACKINAC, Mich. — Michigan Tribal citizens are hosting a family-friendly event at the Straits of Mackinac to heighten awareness about the importance of protecting the Straits of Mackinac and the Great Lakes. This event is part picnic and part Teach-in to spread the message, “Decommission Line-5” and “No Tunnel”. The teachings will include Jingle Dancers, Tribal Drums, traditional long canoes, Jiimaans, carrying banners on the Straits. Featured speakers will share their stories.

Tribal citizens, Legislators, Environmental Leaders, and Water Protectors will be on southern shore at the foot of the Mackinac Bridge, 102 W Straits Ave, Mackinaw City, on Saturday August 31 from 8a until noon.

There is no admittance fee. As an eco-minded event, participants are encouraged to bring their own refresh-ments. Recycling and composting will be on-site provided by Emmet County Recycling.

Flotilla organizers have arranged rental services for participants who cannot bring their own kayak. Kayak rentals must be made in advance with Great Turtle Kayak Tours or Woods & Water. Contact information is on the Facebook event page, 5th Pipe Out Paddle Up Flotilla. The Flotilla is an honoring and celebration of water in the Great Lake Basin.

Water is Life Festival will immediately follow at Conkling Heritage Park, S Huron Ave, Mackinaw City until 6p. Music and other live events will bring the advocacy from water onto land. On Friday, August 30 at 9p the Ann Arbor Light and Detroit Light Brigades will light up the south shore beach at the foot of the Mackinac Bridge.