Binaakwe-giizis
Binaakwe-giizis is Anishnaabe (Chippewa/Ojibwe) for falling leaves moon. This moon celebrates the time of year when the trees were told to stay awake for seven days and seven nights and only the cedar, pine and spruce obeyed. As a reward the are 'ever-green' and those that were unable to stay awake must shed their leaves each fall.

The Falling Leaves Moon illuminates the remnants of the harvested crops which provided cover for animals during the growing season.

During the founding days of America, European farmers used the bright moonlight to hunt game, fish and gather rice while the Anishnaabe tribes hunted, fished, gathered and prepared to move to their winter camps in order to protect and sustain themselves through the long, cold winters in the Upper Midwest and collect furs for trade value.

Events
Binaakwe Giizis
Festival of the Falling Leaves Moon

September 18-20, 2008
Our newest biannual festival celebrates the heritage of Mackinac Island's Native peoples and the fall bounty.

Event Sampler:
Thursday, September 18
3pm-5pm Nin Wikondimin: We Feast Together
Enjoy the bounty of the harvest at select Island Restaurants for this festival fundraiser, $25 per person

7pm-East Bluff Hayride, $25 adults, $15 children 5-12, under 5 free
Take a leisurely one hour hayride from downtown through the Island's East Bluff.


Friday, September 19
3pm-5pm Nin Wikondimin: We Feast Together
Enjoy the bounty of the harvest at select Island Restaurants for this festival fundraiser, $25 per person

7pm-9pm Binaakwe Giizis: Artist Reception
Meet and Greet with Anishnaabe artists Don Andress, Kelly Church and Cherish Parrish, Lilac Tree Hotel & Spa.

Don "the Duck" Andress
Direct descendent of Chippewa Chief Mackinac, Don "the Duck" Andress has been crafting his Mackinac Walking Sticks for decades. This is the first exhibition of his work, which is being considered for inclusion at the Smithsonian.

Kelly Church & Cherish Parrish
This mother and daughter team are dedicated to saving the black ash tree and expressing their Anishnaabe tribal heritage through traditional and contemporary arts. They excel at black ash basket-making, birch bark biting, and painting.

9pm-11pm Heart of Mackinac
Singer/songwriters Barb Barton, Mary McGuire and Michelle Chenard and solo pianist John Kissane perform a very rare concert together at Mission Point Theatre to benefit Great Turtle Festivals. $10a, $5c, open seating. Mission Point Guests free by presenting room key.

Saturday, September 20
12pm-5pm Gagaienisiwin: Art Exibition, Lilac Tree Hotel & Spa
Featuring the artfulness of Don "the Duck" Andress, Kelly Church & Cherish Parrish

1pm-5pm Nind Akokobinaganike: I make baskets
This basket make and take is for those looking to get involved in learning the art of black ash basketmaking. Due to the spread of the ash borer, there has been a rapid loss of ash trees across Michigan. This special workshop is offered by Kelly Church and Cherish Parrish only 2 times a year. Prices are $50 to create a small basket, $75 for a medium basket, or $100 for a large basket.

3pm-5pm Nin Wikondimin: We Feast Together
Enjoy the bounty of the harvest at select Island Restaurants for this festival fundraiser, $25 per person

7pm Madwewetchigewin: Music with the Holland High School Orchestra
The Holland High School Orchestra members represent many different schools in the greater Holland and Lakeshore area and are auditioned for membership and chair placement.The current conductor is Richard Piippo, conductor of the Hope College Orchestras and Cello Professor.We are pleased to welcome these young accomplished musicians to the Island and invite all to their performance at Mission Point Theatre.