River Stories
Saturday, August 4th, 2024
Jay Cooke State Park Swinging Bridge
Carlton, Minnesota
Organizers: Thomlin Swan and Gus Ganley
Water walker stories: Ricky DeFoe
Waankam: Ricky DeFoe, Emily Levang
Water Puppet: Rebecca DeWitt
Music: Taylor Rogers, Efrat, Rachel Saudek
Flyer and banner art: Thomlin Swan
Rivers like Gitchigami Ziibi (St. Louis River) hold many stories, but not all stories have been told equally. This event of storytelling about Gichigami Ziibi’s rich history and future helped mark the 100th Anniversary of Jay Cooke State Park’s Swinging Bridge, and lifted up the cultural teachings that can point the way towards life-honoring principles and practices for all to share. This public event incorporated a confluence of offerings including stories of Anishinaabe water walkers, advocates from Waankam: People of the Estuary, Anishinaabe drumming and songs, collective ritual, an appearance of a water puppet, and songs from multiple lineages.