On Thursday, September 22, 2022, Travel Marquette hosted Hand in Hand, the sixth of its Trail Talks series at the Noquemanon Trail Head.  

This talk focused on looking at the natural world through the Anishinaabe lens and was led by Leora Tadgerson, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan.

Tadgerson shared traditional stories that helped the group gain a deeper understanding of Anishinaabe language, history, and culture.  She also taught attendees about the Way of the People, giving them an introduction into Anishinaabe religion.  

During the hike, Tadgerson shared the culinary, medicinal, and cultural importance of numerous plants that the group encountered on the trails.  Young and old attendees enjoyed the fresh taste of wintergreen and the fuzzy and bitter sensations of dandelion leaves.  They also learned of the powerful medicine that can be created from such things as white pine needles or the Chaga mushroom.  

It was a splendid walk on a lovely fall evening in Upper Michigan.