During the Civil War, Odawa and Ojibway fought in critical battles for the Union Army. Today, the struggle continues. Join special guest, Anishinaabe Historian Eric Hemenway, for two guided hikes on Sunday, August 28.

At 11:00 a.m., Eric will dive into some of the contemporary events, issues, and challenges present in 21^st century “Indian Country.” From mascots to legal rights, tribal nations across the country share many issues, yet remain independent and unique in their responses to the world around them. For this guided hike, meet at the Old Indian Trailhead (4349 N Scenic Hwy, Honor, MI 49640). This hike will last about 1.5 hours, and together they will walk about 1.5 miles of the 2.3-mile loop. The trail is flat and relatively easy to hike. There is a pit toilet available at the trailhead.

At 4:00 p.m., travel back in time to the 19^th century and explore the remarkable tale of the Union Army’s largest all-Indian regiment east of the Mississippi. Learn how the 139 Odawa and Ojibway men of Company K bravely contributed to the Union’s Civil War efforts. Meet at the farm's trail/ Sleeping Bear Heritage Trailhead across from the Kelderhouse farmhouse in Port Oneida. This guided hike will last 1.5 hours and traverse a 1.7-mile loop along the farms and ridge trails. There are some uphill and exposed sections of trail, so plan on bringing water, sun protection, and suitable hiking shoes. Parking is available in the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail parking lot or in front of the Kelderhouse farmhouse (S. Port Oneida Road). There is a pit toilet available at the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail parking lot.

All programs are free with a valid park entrance pass. Passes may be purchased at the Phillip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire, Michigan, and cost $25 (per vehicle) for seven days, $45 for an annual Sleeping Bear Dunes pass, or $80 (or less) for the America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands pass series. Learn more at: https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/fees.htm.

For more in-depth information about the National Lakeshore, please go to www.nps.gov/slbe.

Also, check out the Sleeping Bear Dunes Facebook page: www.facebook.com/sbdnl,

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