Events

We gather in a good way to celebrate our connection to water through our theme this year, Love for Water. This festival is led and organized by Native American women, the protectors of water.

This year, we will host once again the Indigenous Artists from South America who will be facilitating workshops as well as a tribal panel on Manoomin (wild rice) in Michigan..

Food, Music, a Youth area, and a collective art project will engage festival-goers to enjoy the Straits area and do so in the beautiful Village of Mackinaw City’s Conkling Park.

We will also be honoring the Stand Up for the Great Lakes group from Elk Rapids with an award for raising awareness for the Great Lakes.

New this year!!! Kicking things off with a community drum circle, then later a dance contest to put a twist on things. The twist, Cotton-Eyed Joe and Potato Dance.

This is an eco-friendly, family-oriented event!!

This event immediately follows the Pipe Out Paddle Protest.

EVENT SCHEDULE

Friday, September 3rd:

• 6:30pm-9pm - Feast/potluck to honor sponsors and supporters at Minogin Market, Mackinaw City
• 9pm-10:30pm - Light Brigade is doing a lighting action at the Mackinac Bridge after the feast

Saturday, September 4th:

• 8am-12pm - Pipe Out Paddle Up Flotilla at the foot of the Mackinaw Bridge, Mackinaw City
• 12pm-8pm - Water is Life Festival, Conkling Park, Mackinaw City

Sponsors include Freshwater Future, We the People, Emmet County Recycling, Bay Mills Indian Community, Sunrise Movement, Oil & Water Don't Mix, and the great citizens of Michigan!!

Bands and musical talent include: Great Lake Brass, Hadassah Greensky Trio, Samuel Nalagria, Seth Bernard, and Soni Moreno

RSVP below. and on the event's Facebook Page