FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

8/25/2026

Contact: Andrew Kaplowitz, Great Lakes Water Protector Network phoneemail

Water Protectors, Tribal Leaders and Community Members to Gather for "Paddle for the Future" Flotilla and Water Ceremony in St. Ignace

Multigenerational event on Kiwanis Beach will call for protection of the Great Lakes from industrialization, including the Line 5 Tunnel project

WHAT: "Paddle for the Future" is a water ceremony and flotilla bringing together tribal members, community organizers and allies to protect the Great Lakes for the next seven generations. Organizers say the gathering — hosted by the Sault Tribe and the Great Lakes Water Protector Network — is an assertion of Treaty rights and a stand against industrial projects such as the Line 5 Tunnel.

The event includes:

• A community water ceremony and paddle flotilla on Lake Huron

• Traditional foods and cultural offerings including drums, jiiman, and more

• Information on ongoing efforts to protect the Great Lakes and how community members can get involved

The gathering is intended to be multigenerational, multicultural and inclusive. Organizers ask attendees to bring their own reusable "feast bundle" (plate, utensils, cup) as part of a zero-waste effort, and to carpool if possible.

Immediately following the event, attendees are invited to the Rendezvous in the Straits Pow Wow Grand Entry at 1:00 p.m., held across the street from Kiwanis Beach.

WHO:

• Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians

• Great Lakes Water Protector Network

• Community sponsors including Black to the Land, Freshwater Future, Oil and Water Don't Mix, Mackinac Straits Watersports, Michigan Climate Action Network, Big Stone Bay Fishery, and FracTracker Alliance.

WHEN: Saturday, August 29, 2026 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Pow Wow Grand Entry follows at 1:00 p.m. across the street)

WHERE: Kiwanis Beach St. Ignace, Michigan [Map:https://maps.app.goo.gl/bmfpPEh6Ay3fbwqn8]

VISUALS:

• Traditional water ceremony (NO PHOTOS of this ceremony)

• Canoe and kayak flotilla launching from Kiwanis Beach

• Multigenerational community gathering, arts and crafts, cultural regalia and more

• Pow Wow Grand Entry (1:00 p.m., adjacent venue)

BACKGROUND: This event is part of a broader effort to defend the Great Lakes — referred to as the heart of Turtle Island — from industrial threats, including Enbridge's Line 5 pipeline tunnel project. The Great Lakes Water Protector Network supports frontline communities through social, emotional, financial and educational resources tied to environmental protection efforts across the region.