Join MackinawOde at Northwoods Nature Fest 2023 for a very special educational experience this weekend!
Environmentalists and Herbalists will gather to lead presentations, raising awareness for environmental concerns through plants as well as teaching herbal classes, plant walks, and more! After all, plants need clean air, water, and soil to survive. And so do we as humans.
There will be dancers, drumming, and a water ceremony at the beginning of the event, as well as world-renowned author Matthew Wood will be joining us.
The Northwoods Nature Fest is also a historic event for Indian River, MI. A welcoming back to the Indigenous peoples whom this town was named after.
We as Indigenous people are honored to be here and look forward to sharing our teachings and have discussions with you about the environment we all share.
Click here for Northwoods Event flyer
* 8:30am – 10:30am – Marina Park
Harvesting and Making Medicines with Indigenous Herbalist, Daisy Kostus – Part 1
Aanii, my name is Daisy Kostus. I will be taking students out to identify and gather the plants we will be using to make salves, teas, concoctions and tinctures. Together we will wash and cut the plant medicines as I discuss their uses.
10:30am – 11am – Marina Park
Water Ceremony and Indigenous Teachings with Beatrice Jackson
Come see a beautiful water ceremony blessing performed by Water Protector and cultural teacher, Beatrice Jackson.
11am – 11:30am – Marina Park
Welcome & Introduction by Nathan Wright
11:30am – 12pm – Marina Park
Mini “Pow Wow” with local LTBB Drum and Mukwa Dancers of Hessel, MI
12pm to 1pm – Northland Brewing Co.
Break for lunch at Northland Brewing Co. food trucks
1:30pm – 5:30pm – Marina Park
Traditional Hide Tanning Workshop with Little Traverse Bay Band
Would you like to learn how to turn your deer hide into leather? Discover what local Indigenous people traditionally did to make clothing, crafts and more since time immemorial. You can watch or participate. Please wear boots and gloves will be provided.
12:15pm – 1:15pm – Northland Brewing Co.
Decolonizing Our Food with Miskopwaaganikwe Tadgerson
Learn how to decolonize our food in an easy and sustainable way. Miskopwaaganikwe’s findings with the Decolonizing Diet Project will be discussed, as well as how it has impacted her everyday life as a mother, partner and professional.
1:15pm – 3pm – Northland Brewing Co.
Clean Water Discussion Panel with Environmentalists : Robert Buechler, Roger Gauthier, Ed Timm, as well as, Herbalist/Author Lisa M. Rose(https://burdockandrose.com/)
Join our group of environmentalism experts who will have a discussion about clean water and Line 5 -which runs through Indian River, MI. Currently, at Bad River Reserve in the Upper Peninsula, there is flooding that has reached the pipeline. The Bad River Tribe has called for an immediate shut down of the pipeline over safety concerns. Our presenters will be taking questions and there will be breakout groups to discuss.
* 1:15pm – 2:45pm – Northland Brewing Co. parking lot
Plant Walk with Indigenous Herbalist, Nathan Wright.
Join local Indigenous Herbalist, Nathan Wright, for an educational plant walk in our beautiful & bountiful Northern Michigan woods.
Together we will connect with the earth as Nathan discusses the plants that are emerging around us. Those attending the walk will learn how Native Americans have used these indigenous plants for pain, immune support, skin issues, allergies, sleep, mental wellness and more! Wear boots and bring only natural bug spray (no deet products please). We don’t expect a lot of bugs so wait before you apply any so we can enjoy the smells of the woods we will walk through at a nearby preserve.
5pm – 5:30pm – Northland Brewing Co.
Book signing with Matthew Wood and Lisa M. Rose
Bring your books by either of these two wonderful authors to have them sign.
Matthew Wood on Amazon
Lisa M. Rose on Amazon
* 5:30pm – 7:30pm – Marina Park
Harvesting and Making Medicines with Indigenous Herbalist Daisy Kostus – Part 2
We will be identifying herbs that are edible to make a stir-fry. Students will help prepare the noodles and edible plants to add. During this exercise we will continue to discuss the nutrients that are available in the plants being used for food.
* Denotes by donation (to help cover the travel, food and lodging expenses of the presenters). A suggested $15 – $20 is encouraged, more if you can!
Note : NO PETS AT MARINA PARK during these above ceremonies (10:30am-12:00pm). Pets are allowed at Northland Brewing Co. Please no photos of Dancers until others are invited to join them.
Camping :
❖ Burt Lake State Park
https://midnrreservations.com/
❖ Twin Bears Wooded Campground
twinbearscamp.com
Motels :
❖ Waterway Inn
https://www.waterwayinnir.com/
❖ Brentwood Lodging
https://www.brentwoodlodging.com/
❖ Hometown Inn
https://www.hometowninindianriver.top
Please visit :
Market Mercado
https://www.facebook.com/mrkt.mercado
A Sustainable Shop of over 30 makers – Local to Global.
Supports small indigenous businesses of the area.