Photo Above: The Bow Man, believed to represent a hunter, is the most well-known of the Sanilac Petroglyphs, rock carvings etched into a sandstone outcrop
The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and the Friends of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary have announced the 2018 Sanctuary Lecture and Cinema Series. Starting in February, every month a free lecture and film will be hosted at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center in Alpena, Michigan. “Guest speakers and films have been carefully selected to provide audiences of all ages an interesting, relaxing opportunity to learn more about the changing world around us and participate in discussions with experts on timely topics,” said Sarah Waters, sanctuary education coordinator.
On Thursday, Feb. 22, Shannon Martin of the Ziibiwing Center of Anishinaabe Culture and Lifeways, and Stacy Tchorzynski of the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office presented “Ezhibiigaadek Asin: Knowledge Written on Stone.” The presentation focused on Sanilac Petroglyphs Historic State Park and its collection of early Native American teachings carved on sandstone. The Sanilac Petroglyphs are Michigan’s only known prehistoric rock carvings attributed to Native American workmanship in the Lower Peninsula.
The following evening, Friday, Feb. 23, at 7:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) in recognition of national “Skip the Straw Day, the 2018 TBNMS Cinema Series will kick off with the film, “STRAWS.” This award-winning film produced by Linda Booker will make you think twice before you use another plastic straw. More than 500 million plastic straws are used every day in the United States, with many of them finding their way into the ocean, Great Lakes and other waterways and natural habitats. (Did you know that you can purchase environmentally friends reusable glass straws complete with a cleaning brush at the Sanctuary Store?)
All lectures and films will include a Q&A session, popcorn, snacks, and drinks (and reusable glass straws!) will be for sale in the Sanctuary Store throughout the evening. Click here to see the full schedule.