Yesterday, we traveled to Mackinac Island (Turtle Island) to view the reenactment of the opening “battle” of the War of 1812, where a group of several hundred Indians, British veterans (described as victims of “unconquerable drunkenness”), and French voyageurs (many not wearing any shoes), took the fort from the Americans without a shot. It is true that the terror of seeing hundreds of Indians in the woods outside the fort forced the Americans to surrender quickly.

Eric Hemenway was one of the speakers introducing the event, and as always gave a delightful and informative talk about what the event meant to Michigan Indians.

Here are a few pics: Continue reading →