"No Kings 2.0" event in Houghton attracts 850 peaceful participants supporting American principles

By Valorie Troesch*

Hundreds of participants in the October 18, 2025, "No Kings 2.0" rally and march line the Portage Lift Bridge in Houghton, Mich. Click on photos for larger versions. (Photo courtesy Keweenaw Indivisible)

On October 18, 2025, some 850 people gathered on a warm sunny autumn day in the Copper Country of Michigan's Upper Peninsula to celebrate the absence of kings in America and to affirm the principles of the United States Constitution.

Nationally and across the world, over 7 million people attended more than 2,700 "No Kings" events. Their message was this: "America has no kings, and the power belongs to the people."

"No Kings 2.0" was organized by Indivisible nationally and by Keweenaw Indivisible locally in the Copper Country. Keweenaw Indivisible is a grassroots social movement fighting for progressive values. It is committed to building community and taking tangible action to support our families, friends, and neighbors.

When I arrived home after the event, my husband, who had been livestreaming the march across the Portage Lift Bridge via the Michigan Tech Webcam, announced that he’d never seen so many people on the bridge at one time. Watching hundreds of people amass on the bridge was indeed impressive. Being there in person was to witness and to participate in acts of both resistance and hope.

People gathered at Bridgeview Park in Houghton at Noon on Saturday, Oct. 18. They were welcomed by a member of the Keweenaw Indivisible leadership team, Rich Canevez, assistant professor of Communication, Culture, and Media in the Humanities Department at Michigan Tech. He led the crowd in loud shouts of "No Kings!" intended to be heard as far away as Calumet and reported to be heard at least across the canal at Takka Saunas in Hancock. Mariah Durham -- a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and former Michigan Tech women’s basketball coach, now teaching K-12 Physical Education and Health, next fired up the crowd with a series of chants apropos of the "No Kings" message.

Rich Canevez of Keweenaw Indivisible (center in blue vest) welcomes the crowd at Bridgeview Park and leads them in loud shouts of "No Kings!" (Photo courtesy Keweenaw Indivisible) 

Sandy Vaupel was the first speaker. Sandy is an active member of Keweenaw Indivisible. She volunteered to speak at the No Kings event because, in spite of her reluctance to publicly address a crowd, she believed she had a relevant message to share.

Sandy began her talk with this: "I’m here because of something Jack Bergman said. He has a problem with protesters because, he says, we only say what we are against, not what we are for. So, I made a list of things I am for, things about America we need to preserve and protect."

And then Sandy realized she was onto something: "In the run up to No Kings 2, I realized that my little essay really fit into the desired message for the event -- a mainly positive message -- so I volunteered to speak. Though no more eager than anyone to speak to an audience, I knew I had to serve the message and that it would give me strength."

Sandy Vaupel of Keweenaw Indivisible speaks about things in America she is for preserving and protecting. (Photo courtesy Keweenaw Indivisible)

Sandy’s message was exactly what we all needed to hear as we started our No Kings event because it encapsulated the essence of why we were there and what we value about our country. Some of the things Sandy said we must preserve and protect are an executive government that is constrained by a robust system of checks and balances, due process, the right of people to peaceably assemble, human dignity, fair wages and safe working conditions, the right to organize, the planet, the underdog (the people of Ukraine and Gaza today), and bipartisanship.

The second speaker was Kiko Silvelet, who was born in São Paulo, Brazil. He came to the US at the age of 15 and later studied engineering at Michigan Tech. Kiko became a U.S. citizen and now works as a research engineer at Michigan Tech in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. He is also an active volunteer with the Copper Dog 150.

Kiko covered a lot of ground in his speech. He began by saying that he was conflicted about speaking at the march. He was concerned about the potential for violence in the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s killing and, because he has friends "across the board," he didn’t want to risk those friendships. He also warned that what he would say might be controversial.

Kiko Silvelet addresses the crowd gathered at the "No Kings 2.0" rally on Oct. 18. (Photo courtesy Keweenaw Indivisible) 

Kiko said that he judges everything through his "Brazilian filter" -- how would he feel if this were happening in Brazil, how would he act and what does it really mean? He said that the real problem in America is not left versus right but rather class disparity. He admonished us that we cannot complain about corporations funding politicians when we continue to buy their stuff or invest in their stock -- something he does not say we should abandon but must be aware of. Quoting the Industrial Workers of the World, Kiko called for a nationwide general strike of workers, direct action that would "break the legs" of the oligarchs.

Kiko’s closing point was one of hope and optimism. He said that he no longer reads or listens to the news. In his words, "this is just a storm, and spring will come." He noted the United States is young and current events are just part of the process. He said, "the day that everyone agrees is the day that no one is thinking." Kiko asked everyone to think about the meaning of No Kings and advised us to mingle and to make friends with people we don’t agree with. And he advised us to push gently because pushing hard will create even harder pushback. His final words were these: "To resist despair is what it is to be truly free."

Pastor Bucky Beach was the third and final speaker. Bucky is well known to us as the chaplain at Finlandia University (formerly Suomi College), the pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, and faculty at Michigan Tech. He is retired but remains engaged in the faith community. Bucky began by recounting the phrase he typed repeatedly when he was learning to type: "Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their land." Now is that time, he said, to come to the aid of our land and all lands in this world.

Pastor Bucky Beach calls for unity, moral debate and local action to protect our shared world. (Photo courtesy Keweenaw Indivisible) 

Bucky referenced the recent People of the Heart Water Walk -- a 3-day event including both Native and non-Native participants, led by Indigenous leaders and concluding on Indigenous Peoples' Day -- as a symbolic connection. "Connection" is never guaranteed and is what brought everyone together on No Kings Day. 

"We come from many places but our action begins right here in the Copper Country," Bucky said. "We are united in standing up to protect our world, we are united in standing up to protect those we care about and love, especially those who are vulnerable, but even advocating for the rights and protection of those with whom we disagree. Like it or not, we hold all of this together, and that is a sacred covenant that we share." 

Bucky spoke about democracy and the proclamation that it is self-evident as ideas that become manifest only if we are committed to making those ideas a reality in the political, social, economic, and religious institutions that we create.

"If we are going to talk about religion and politics in the public square, we need to have a real moral debate and conversation about religious and political and policy violence being contrary to American and religious values," Bucky stated. "We’ve got work to do."

That work includes not only showing up for No Kings Day, but listening to each other and being humble enough to recognize our common humanity -- and learning to be a neighbor to someone we might not agree with, he explained.

Hundreds of local residents and visitors gather at Bridgeview Park in Houghton for the "No Kings 2.0" event on Oct. 18, 2025. (Photo courtesy Keweenaw Indivisible)

By all accounts, 850 plus people is a record turnout for any protest in the Copper Country. Why did they come?

Members of the League of Women Voters of the Copper Country, along with their national League of Women Voters organization, joined "No Kings 2.0" as an official non-partisan partner to stand in solidarity with partners and oppose hate and authoritarianism.

According to Mary Marchaterre, treasurer of the League of Women Voters of the Copper Country, "The League has consistently and boldly spoken up in the face of rising authoritarianism." 

Members of the League of Women Voters of the Copper Country display their posters during the Oct. 18 "No Kings 2.0" rally in Houghton. Pictured here, from left, are Fredi deYampert, Kristina Owen, Barry Fink, Vicky Bergvall, Mary Marchaterre, and David Nitz. (Photo courtesy Mary Marchaterre)

The common cause -- that America has no kings and will not tolerate authoritarianism -- was shared by everyone I spoke with. 

"I had to be at the No Kings walk because so many of our democracy safeguards are being removed," said Ruth Gleckler, retired military and community volunteer. "It was a beautiful day to walk across the bridge and be with people who care about our country enough to be there."

Amy Weekley, a member of Keweenaw Indivisible, said: "I attended the No Kings demonstration because I am appalled by this administration’s complete disregard for the rule of law and for our Constitution. I, like many Americans, am desperate for a return to checks and balances rather than hyper-partisan pandering….As a country, we are better than this. We need to care about each other. We need to help each other. None of us is free until all of us are free."

Amy Hjerstedt attended with her 13-year-old son (and their dog). She explained their reason for being here: "The No Kings rally’s message is something most Americans can get behind. Harkening back to our collective power to resist rule by one powerful person, I could feel our local people attempt to stand together to push back in a joyful, artistic assemblage."

Carol MacLennan, professor emeritus of Anthropology at Michigan Tech, was in Marquette and initially planned to join the rally there, but she instead drove back to Houghton on Saturday morning in order to be with people she knew.

"I believe that these nation-wide marches are one of the best ways to express an opinion on the current state of our nation," Carol said. "I found myself inspired again to do the work it takes to keep democracy intact: pay attention, do what I can to help out on local initiatives, talk with others who think differently, explore new strategies and possibilities for effective vigilance with friends."

Craig Waddell, emeritus professor of Rhetoric at Michigan Tech, provided some basic history against the backdrop of the No Kings Day march: "The 'No Kings' principle goes back to the founding of our country and the separation of powers enshrined in our Constitution, including Articles I and II, which separate the powers of Congress and the president. As James Madison -- our fourth president and the principal author of our Constitution -- wrote, 'The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands . . . may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny.'" (The Federalist Papers, No. 47, 1788).

Craig explained the current context of what happens when the nation -- supported by a United States Supreme Court decision -- rejects the separation of powers in favor of a unitary all-powerful executive: "This is why, in her dissenting opinion on the Supreme Court’s July 1, 2024, 6-3 vote on Trump v. United States (on presidential immunity from criminal prosecution), Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote, 'The President of the United States is the most powerful person in the country, and possibly the world. When he uses his official powers in any way, under the [Court majority’s] reasoning, he now will be insulated from criminal prosecution. . . . The relationship between the President and the people he serves has shifted irrevocably. In every use of official power, the President is now a king above the law.'"

In addition to resisting authoritarianism and supporting democracy, attendees also said that it was important to be among other people in an atmosphere of unity, joy, and hope.

Again from Amy Weekley: "The demonstration was such a lovely display of unity, joy, and hope. It was so nice to be there with hundreds of other people who want for us to be better as a country, and the honks and thumbs up from so many passing cars were really uplifting. It made me feel less alone."

Steve Blackburn, communications vice-chair for the local Houghton County Democratic Party, said this of his experience: "As a first timer at one of these rallies, it reminded me of the enthusiasm and energy I saw for Kamala and Tim at the rallies they held last fall. Not only enthusiasm but more importantly joy. People were in good spirits and peaceful. There were large American flags being carried about, and I saw many patriotic slogans on signs among the crowd. I don’t know where Speaker Johnson got his information from about who would show up for these rallies, but he clearly did not know what he was talking about. I spent my time on the bridge smiling and waving enthusiastically at every passing car, and I did my best to catch the eye of the drivers and passengers. MANY gave thumbs up and smiled or waved back. A few tried their darndest to ignore me. One young man gave me the bird. I consider that to be my 'informal survey' of the support of the rally, and I have to say it was very positive."

Commenting after the event, Sandy Vaupel said, "As far as how I felt, I am always amazed at how emotional I get when at an event, and that emotion is mainly awe. It was a privilege to share a stage (of sorts) with the two inspirational speakers there. I am in awe of, and grateful to, those who sacrifice so much to organize these events. I really appreciate all the people who gave up a big part of their Saturday to participate, and even those who bother to honk their horns in support. It feels like family, only bigger and better."

Displaying their signs and flags to oncoming traffic, participants in the "No Kings 2.0" march line the Portage Lift Bridge in a peaceful demonstration. (Photo © and courtesy Tiff DeGroot)

What’s next after this second No Kings March? What do attendees expect and what do they want to happen now?

Steve Blackburn made this local observation: "Even in a county like ours that turned out for Trump last November, the dissatisfaction with his administration is very palpable." 

Amy Weekley added, "I hope that as we move forward, we can turn this momentum into action and change. Our numbers grow at each of these events, and we are all hungry for an action plan to effect change. We need to keep pushing forward!"

Amy Hjerstedt endorsed an action advocated by Kiko Silvelet: "One of the speakers explained how our real resistance will be felt when we use our purchasing power. Trump and politicians will pay attention to our demands when we band together to stop buying and working on the same day(s). While rallies are fun for us and they bring a little awareness for the day, the resistance is felt when we stop supporting businesses that support the status quo, stop using social media, and stop participating in the economy that currently does not care about our democracy or quality of life. After the speaker, my thirteen-year-old son, who also attended the No Kings rally with me, and I talked about what more we can do that can make an impact. We don’t use social media (I stopped when Zuckerberg gave money to the Trump Inauguration) and I refuse to shop on Amazon for family purchases. But what is one more way we can help push back? We are hopeful the people at the rally will continue to lead and coordinate the joyful group of local people to do what the speaker recommended and ask all to stop working and shopping. Imagine if we all did that for a day or a week. Our politicians would take notice and our resistance would be felt." 

Some concluding thoughts.

First, many thanks to Keweenaw Indivisible for organizing this event and for making it safe for all those who came to publicly proclaim that there are no kings in America. This is no small thing, given the advance threats that violence would be not just possible but probable. The day was peaceful, surprisingly peaceful in that there were no big trucks bearing Trump flags, honking to drown out speakers, and spewing black exhaust at the crowds. Thanks also to everyone who was willing to share their thoughts with me and to be quoted. That, too, is an act of resistance and courage.

Second, we expected more people to No Kings Day 2 than came to No Kings Day 1 in June. And come they did. Estimates are about 850. The people who were "counting" attendance by giving out candy went home with none of the 1000 pieces of candy they had to distribute. We are told that people are not paying attention, that they are uninformed and unaware of what is going on and do not care. I don’t think that is true. The fact is that our friends and neighbors who were not at the No Kings Day have lives to lead, bills to pay, families to tend to, jobs they must go to even on a Saturday. But as they were out and about, driving across the bridge, those friends and neighbors -- hundreds of them -- honked, cheered, smiled, gave thumbs up, and expressed their support. And those are only the ones who happened to be on the bridge. There are thousands of others. Support is out there. And it is growing. I read somewhere after the No Kings Day event that the march itself was not the point; the march was the recruitment drive. Let’s hope that is true.

What is next? On the occasions that I’ve had to speak, my message has been consistent. It is unchanged today: we must continue to show up, to speak up, to vote, and to not give up. 

*Editor's  Note: Guest author Valorie Troesch is a retired attorney and resident of Torch Lake Township. Keweenaw Now wishes to express our appreciation for Valorie's volunteering to cover the No Kings 2.0 event and report on it here.

Porkies Protected! Grassroots effort stops $50M mine subsidy at last minute

This map shows how close the Copperwood Mine would be to the Porcupine Mountains State Park and Lake Superior. Note the diagram in the lower left corner of the map. CLICK ON MAP for a larger image. (Map courtesy Protect the Porkies)

From: Upper Peninsula Environmental Coalition (UPEC)

In 2025 the Protect the Porkies campaign -- a UPEC member organization -- has been mobilizing to prevent the approval of 50 million taxpayer dollars to fund the preliminary infrastructure necessary for the proposed Copperwood Mine to advance. 

Copperwood is a proposed copper sulfide mine, which would share a border with the western portion of Porcupine Mountains State Park -- mainland Michigan's largest old growth wilderness area -- with metallic sulfide waste containing dangerous heavy metals to be stored in unprecedented proximity to Lake Superior.

View of Lake Superior next to Porcupine Mountains State Park. (Photo © Sol Anzorena and courtesy Protect the Porkies)

This same funding was halted twice last year in the Michigan Senate Appropriations Committee but was reintroduced on April 23rd of this year by Rep. Greg Markkanen, now rebranded as a "community infrastructure" grant for Wakefield Township. The infrastructure in question -- cell towers, heavy industrial roads, and power grid -- would've been rolled out into an uninhabited area for the exclusive purpose of advancing the mine.

Protect the Porkies organized a sign-on letter of 230 local residents and 100+ organizations to oppose the funding, including the Michigan League of Women Voters, the Michigan Environmental Council, and the Michigan chapter of the Sierra Club. The two closest Michigan Tribal Nations -- the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) and the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa -- both submitted their own letters of opposition.* Two trips were made to Lansing this year in close collaboration with Citizens for a Safe and Clean Lake Superior: the first, to educate lawmakers; and the second, to hold a rally protesting the Michigan House's approval of the funding in August.**

View of the Lake of the Clouds, located in the Porcupine Mountains State Park. If the Copperwood Mine goes through, the environment -- as well as the spectacular view of this lake -- could be jeopardized by the huge pile of tailings (mining waste) Copperwood would produce and store nearby. (Photo © Bryan Mitchell and courtesy Protect the Porkies)*** 

Despite these efforts, shortly before the official Michigan budget deadline of October 1st, it was learned that Governor Whitmer was pushing for the item's inclusion in the budget, and Senator Elissa Slotkin publicly endorsed the Copperwood Mine. Sources in Lansing were reporting that the funding had indeed been included. But during overtime budget negotiations, a renewed rallying cry from the Protect the Porkies campaign resulted in a surge of Michigan residents reaching out to lawmakers, until both the House and Senate agreed to eliminate the controversial proposal.

"Lawmakers weighed all sides of the issue and decided that rolling out infrastructure into an uninhabited area to help an inexperienced foreign mining company was not a good use of taxpayer funding," said Tom Grotewohl, founder of the Protect the Porkies campaign. "We fully support state money coming to Gogebic County -- but let it fund locally-owned businesses and other endeavors that do not export our wealth out of the area at the expense of the environment. This is a win for everyone, both ecologically and economically."

Although the funding was not included in the budget signed by the Governor, the mine may still advance through private investment. And source close to the campaign assert that the $50 million request will be reintroduced as a budget supplemental later this year.

So get ready for Round Four! For more information, visit www.ProtectThePorkies.com and see Protect the Porkies on Facebook for updates on thanking organizations and legislators for opposing the $50 million funding.

Celebrate at the October 22 Protect the Porkies party

All are invited to join Protect the Porkies for a celebration at the Ore Dock brewery in Marquette, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, October 22. It will include a few speakers, but mainly live music from some of the wonderful artists from their Songwriting Contest --including the winners! There will be poetry, a coloring station for children (and anyone else who wants to color nature scenes), and more. 

Editor's Notes:

* CLICK HERE to read the letter of opposition from the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC).

** See the Sept. 17, 2025, Keweenaw Now article by Protect the Porkies, "UPDATED: Citizens march against funding for Copperwood Mine."  

*** CLICK HERE to read the "Preliminary Dam Breach Inundation Analysis for the Copperwood Project" by scientists of the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission (GLIFWC). They found that modeled failures could release tailings that reach Lake Superior in less than an hour, could contaminate the Presque Isle River in less than 1.5 hours, and could affect the underground mine entrance and other mine infrastructure. In addition, they note that a tailings flood in parts of the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness could reach up to 14 m high in parts of the flooded areas.

Marquette groups host peaceful Rally, "Signs of Fascism" walking demonstration for citizens' concerns

By Michele Bourdieu

Marquette area residents and others demonstrate for democracy, voting rights, peace in Gaza and Ukraine and other current issues in front of the U.S. Post Office in Marquette on Sept. 20, 2025. Citizens for Peace and Justice organizes these rallies on Saturdays. Lake Superior Region Indivisible (LSRI) provides a safety team of volunteers trained in de-escalation to assure the rallies are peaceful. Click on photo for larger version. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

MARQUETTE, Mich. -- Last Saturday, Sept. 20, in Marquette about 100 Upper Peninsula citizens peacefully demonstrated their concerns for democracy, immigrants, workers, voting freedoms, peace around the world, and more -- one group rallying in front of the U.S. Post Office and another marching through part of downtown dressed in black. Both groups displayed a variety of signs.

On Sept. 20, 2025, Citizens for Peace and Justice hold a peaceful rally in front of the US Post Office in Marquette, MI. Concerned citizens of the Upper Peninsula display signs on democracy, voting rights, unions, peace in Gaza and Ukraine, and more. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

Kathy Manville of McMillan, Mich., (near Newberry, Mich.) said she came 100 miles to Marquette to join the demonstration in front of the Post Office with her daughter, Jo Arthur of Marquette.

"This is my 11th rally since April," Manville told Keweenaw Now. "We want to keep the country we have -- no kings, no fascists."

Kathy Manville, right, of McMillan, Mich., traveled to Marquette and joined her daughter, Jo Arthur, left, of Marquette, at the Sept. 20 rally. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

Local residents Becky and Martha displayed signs calling attention to several of their concerns while playing a recording of the song "Stand Up for Your Rights," sung by Bob Marley.

During the September 20, 2025, rally in front of the Marquette Post Office, Becky and Martha, residents of Marquette, display their signs encouraging the public to stand up for their rights and to support journalism, unions, truth, due process and more. Organized by Citizens for Peace and Justice, the rally is held every Saturday. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

Patti and Cindy of Marquette also displayed their signs during the rally in front of the Post Office.

Two Marquette friends, Patti and Cindy, attract attention with their signs during the rally. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

Jane Taylor and her sister, Sara Wiedenhoefer, both of Skandia, Mich., attended the rally together. Taylor displayed her signs, "Peace for Gaza and Ukraine NOW!!" and "Love Never Fails," while Wiedenhoefer collected signatures on three important petitions for ballot initiatives in Michigan: Ranked Choice Voting, Invest in MI Kids, and Michiganders for Money Out of Politics.

Jane Taylor of Skandia displays her signs during the Sept. 20 rally in front of the Marquette Post Office. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

Sara Wiedenhoefer of Skandia, chatting with Kyouhee Choi and Alex Berger of Marquette, explains the three statewide petitions for proposals to go on the Michigan 2026 Ballot.

The Lake Superior Region Indivisible (LSRI) group sponsored a Safety Team of volunteers trained in de-escalation. Barb Coleman, coordinator of the Safety Team, told Keweenaw Now the team members are charged with keeping the demonstrations peaceful. They are present but do not participate in the rally or march.

"We tell everyone not to engage with counter protesters," Coleman said.

About 40 people participated in the rally in front of the Post Office in Marquette on Sept. 20.

At the same time, a group of about 60 people, dressed in black and carrying signs under the theme "Signs of Fascism," participated in a walking demonstration through part of downtown Marquette. This event was organized by Lake Superior Region Indivisible (LSRI) and Yoopers Unite.

On Sept. 20, 2025, concerned citizens complete a walking demonstration, "Signs of Fascism," along Washington Street in downtown Marquette, Mich. Dressed in black, some wearing masks, they display signs against fascism, ICE raids on immigrants, illegally detaining people, oppression of LBGTQ communities and more. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

Judy Kitchen of Marquette, one of the organizers of this walking demonstration, said the idea for it came from Faith Veley, who saw a similar walk on social media. LSRI decided it would be a good idea for Marquette.

"Whatever we do it must be peaceful," Kitchen told Keweenaw Now. "Our Safety Team members keep the event peaceful." 

Gene and Carla Champagne of Big Bay pause for a photo as the "Signs of Fascism" demonstration comes to an end near the US Post Office in 
Marquette on Sept. 20.

Judy Kitchen added, "Many of us participate in all three groups' activities." 

Many more photos of the "Signs of Fascism" demonstration are available on the LSRI Web site.

See also Sarah Green's Citizens Rally for Accountable Government (CRAG) September 23 newsletter and the CRAG Calendar of events for the week of Sept. 24 to Sept. 30, 2025.  

UPDATED: Citizens march against funding for Copperwood Mine

From: Protect the Porkies
Published Sept. 12, 2025
Reprinted with permission

200 Michigan residents gather at the Michigan Capitol on September 10, 2025, to urge lawmakers to deny a $50 million earmark to advance the proposed Copperwood Mine near Porcupine Mountains State Park (the Porkies) and Lake Superior. (Photo by Bryan Mitchell for Protect the Porkies)

LANSING, Mich. -- Around 200 Michigan residents marched around the Michigan Capitol building Wednesday afternoon, September 10, to protest the proposed $50 million earmark for infrastructure to advance the Copperwood Mine, a Canadian company’s plan to mine copper sulfide next to and underneath Porcupine Mountains State Park and store the waste upstream from Lake Superior.

"We Michiganders steward over 20 percent of the world's fresh water, and it is our responsibility to ourselves and to future generations to be good stewards," said Marjorie Steele, founder and executive director of the Economic Development Responsibility Alliance of Michigan.

For Nichole Keway Biber, tribal citizen of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians and an environmental activist, what really stood out were the amount of young participants present.

"I hope those who point to ephemeral construction jobs and just 11 years of foreign mining will realize that retaining the presence of active and invested youth is a far superior way to assure the long-term vibrancy of U.P. communities." 

Nichole Keway Biber, left, and many others display their signs for protecting the Porkies against the Copperwood Mine. (Photo by Bryan Mitchell for Protect the Porkies)

Participants traveled from as far as Wakefield Township in Gogebic County (where the mine would be located), as well as from most prominent downstate cities. Their signs showed messages such as: "No taxpayer dollars for sulfide mining," "The Porkies ain’t mine, they’re OURS," and "Highland Copper can take a hike!"

Wielding the megaphone at the front of the march was Tom Grotewohl, founder of the Protect the Porkies campaign.

Tom Grotewohl, founder of the Protect the Porkies campaign, speaks to participants in the Sept. 9 march near the Capitol. (Photo by Bryan Mitchell for Protect the Porkies)

"We are here to ask a simple question," he told participants. "Is it fair to ask Michiganders to pay to advance a Canadian company’s first ever mine? Right next to our favorite State Park? With waste to be stored next to Lake Superior? And copper to be shipped out of country?"

The citizens met each question with shouts of "No!"

Marchers' signs oppose funding for a copper mine near the Porkies and Lake Superior. (Photo by Bryan Mitchell for Protect the Porkies)

The current $50 million earmark has been approved by the House for inclusion in the 2026 budget but not by the Senate. The request is identical in purpose to the highly controversial SOAR grant, twice halted in 2024 due to pushback from "around the state and nation," according to the office of Michigan State Senator Sarah Anthony.

But on April 26th of this year, the funding was reintroduced by Michigan 110th District Rep. Greg Markkanen as a budget earmark and rebranded as a "community infrastructure" proposal, even though the infrastructure -- power grid, cell towers, and heavy industrial roads -- would be rolled out into an area with no year-round residents and no other businesses apart from the proposed Copperwood Mine. 

The funding is opposed by the Michigan League of Women Voters, the Michigan League of Conservation Voters, and over a hundred other organizations.

"The long-term health of Lake Superior and the Porcupine Mountains is vastly more important than unrefined copper to be shipped out of the country with no promise of return," said Jane Fitkin, another lead organizer at Protect the Porkies and director of Citizens for a Safe and Clean Lake Superior. "We are optimistic that our lawmakers will listen to the people and not cave in to moneyed interests that represent only a select few business leaders." 

Marchers express their concerns for the waters of Lake Superior, which are threatened by the possibility of millions of tons of mining waste should nearby Copperwood Mine operate. (Photo by Bryan Mitchell for Protect the Porkies)

Although copper has recently been added to the USGS’s draft list of critical minerals, this upgrade of status is only for refined copper -- copper which has passed through the smelting process -- whereas mined copper is still listed at a negative risk. This may suggest the industrial need for new refineries in the United States, but not new copper mines. 

After marching multiple times around the Capitol, chanting, "No money for the mine! Our vote is on the line!" and "Hey hey! Ho ho! Copperwood has got to go!" a large portion of participants left their signs on the lawn and entered the Capitol peacefully through the front door, with permission from security. They proceeded to climb the steps and surround the main gallery, where the chanting continued: "Whose park? Our park! Whose lake? Our lake! Whose money? OUR MONEY!"

 

Participants in the Protect the Porkies campaign against the Copperwood Mine near Lake Superior march around the Michigan Capitol building in Lansing. (Photo by Bryan Mitchell for Protect the Porkies) 

"Michiganders turned out to protect our land and water en force," Steele said. "It's an honor to stand behind them, and we look forward to seeing legislators respond to their constituents and remove the $50M funding package from the 2026 budget."

Outside on the lawn, a few "counter-protestors" were present: State Senator Ed McBroom, InvestUP CEO Marty Fittante, and two of their colleagues. Their own signs read, "Stop the whining, start the mining!"

"This is not really about mining," Grotewohl told them. "Why is it that none of your media releases or public statements make any mention of the Porcupine Mountains or Lake Superior?"

"We don’t need to," said McBroom.

"You do need to," Grotewohl rebutted. "A mine does not exist in a void."

When asked why no one from the local community had joined them in their counter protest -- nor anyone from Lansing or any other city who was not professionally invested in the mine’s advancement -- McBroom and Fittante did not have a reply. 

In the end, many of those present at the march simply believe that there must better, less divisive uses of taxpayer dollars.

"There is much work to be done cleaning up the toxic remains of previous extractive boom and bust economic gambles," Biber said. "Our lawmakers should push to fund those jobs."

The fate of the $50 million earmark will now be decided in negotiations between the House and Senate. To avoid government shutdown, the budget must be approved by October 1st.

What you can do:

Visit https://protecttheporkies.com/take-action and learn how you can contact the Governor and Michigan Legislators. Protect the Porkies offers a script you can use to urge legislators to stop the funding for Copperwood. The goal is to ensure that when the House and Senate meet in joint conference, the House agrees to DROP the $50 million request.* 

UPDATE: If you missed the Sept. 14 online Forum, "Protect the Porkies," by Tom Grotewohl, offered on Zoom by the Keweenaw Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (KUUF), the video recording is now on their Web site. See our right-hand column or go to https://www.keweenawuu.org/sermons/forum-protect-the-porkies/. 

*Editor's Note: Even if you are a constituent of 110th District pro-Copperwood legislators McBroom and Markkanen, the above action page lists other legislators you can contact.

Keweenaw Indivisible's Labor Day Anti-Billionaires Rally in Houghton honors workers

By Michele Bourdieu

Keweenaw Indivisible welcomes a crowd of more than 150 people to their Labor Day Anti-Billionaires Rally with speakers, musicians and informative tables at the Houghton Waterfront Pier on September 1, 2025 -- a national Day of Action in support of workers. Click on photo for larger version. (Photo by John Peiffer for Keweenaw Now)

 

HOUGHTON -- Beautiful sunny weather made a pleasant atmosphere for the September 1, 2025, Labor Day Anti-Billionaires Rally on the Houghton Waterfront Pier, organized by Keweenaw Indivisible (KI), a non-partisan grassroots organization that empowers local people to stand up for our community against the harm that the current administration and its policies are causing.

 

Participants and visitors gather on the Houghton Waterfront Pier for the Labor Day Anti-Billionaires Rally on September 1, 2025. (Photo by John Peiffer for Keweenaw Now)

Those who attended the Labor Day event, which was part of a national Day of Action to advocate for workers' rights and a society that prioritizes working people over billionaires, heard some uplifting speeches, songs and music on the pier. They also spent part of the two afternoon hours meeting and greeting some community leaders -- including members of progressive groups like the Houghton County Democrats, the League of Women Voters of the Copper Country, and the National Park Service as well as newly formed groups like Keweenaw Indivisible and AWAVE (Advocates for those Without A Voice Everywhere) -- who shared information about their work, concerns and coming events.

According to Heather Mroz, Keweenaw Indivisible systems coordinator, KI is already planning a future day of action event.

"Several independent counts pegged the rally at 150 to 200 people, which is a powerful statement about our small community’s commitment to workers and to democracy," Mroz told Keweenaw Now. "From here, our members will shape what KI does next -- and we welcome anyone who wants to be part of that. Folks can join us on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month, 6 - 8 p.m., at KUUF (Keweenaw Unitarian Universalist Fellowship) in Houghton.* And on October 18 at noon, we’ll host No Kings 2.0 on the Houghton waterfront and march the bridge as part of the nationwide day of action."

At the KI table offering information to visitors during the Rally are, from left, Heather Mroz, KI systems coordinator; Rich Canevez, KI local organizer; and Rich's wife, Samantha Canevez. (Photo by John Peiffer for Keweenaw Now)

Members of the League of Women Voters of the Copper Country were available to offer voting information to local residents.**

Members of the League of Women Voters of the Copper Country greet visitors and offer voting information during the Sept. 1 Keweenaw Indivisible Labor Day Anti-Billionaires Rally on the Houghton Waterfront Pier. Pictured here are, from left, Linda Belote, Sarah Green (holding world flag), Barry Elizabeth Fink, and Joan Chadde. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

During the Rally, Kathy Campbell Olazewski, with sign, chats with Dee Dee Bloom of AWAVE, a new group working with Keweenaw Indivisible in bringing in speakers and promoting activities. (Photo by John Peiffer for Keweenaw Now)  

As rally participants gathered to hear a program of inspiring speakers, they were energized by KI's Mariah Durham -- former Michigan Tech women's basketball coach, now teaching K-12 Physical Education and Health, and a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians -- who led them in pro-worker cheers.

Mariah Durham leads participants in cheers for workers and unions as the Sept. 1, 2025, Keweenaw Indivisible Labor Day Anti-Billionaires Rally begins at the Houghton Waterfront Pier in Houghton, MI. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

The first speaker at the Rally was Rich Canevez, Keweenaw Indivisible local organizer and Michigan Tech assistant professor in Humanities. Canevez spoke about the history and meaning of Labor Day and how wealth disparity in this country affects workers, including his own family.

Rich Canevez of Keweenaw Indivisible addresses participants and visitors during KI's Labor Day Anti-Billionaires Rally on Sept. 1, 2025, at the Houghton Waterfront Pier. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

Following Canevez's welcoming introduction, Frank Fiala, former superintendent of Keweenaw National Historical Park, spoke about the unprecedented assault on the National Park System (NPS) by the administration and Congress -- including freezing all hiring of NPS staff, firing thousands of others indiscriminately, and cutting the NPS budget of their 433 protected places (including Isle Royale National Park) located in every state and contributing over $55 billion to the American economy.

During the Sept. 1, 2025, Keweenaw Indivisible Labor Day Anti-Billionaires Rally in Houghton, MI, Frank Fiala, former Keweenaw National Historical Park superintendent, addresses the crowd concerning the present threat to national parks. (Video by Keweenaw Now) 

Denise Maronen of Calumet, MI, spoke in favor of unions, relating a story of her grandfather's death in a local copper mine accident and her family's faith in labor unions -- despite the discrimination she and other family members endured from anti-union people in the community, including teachers.

During the Sept. 1, 2025, Keweenaw Indivisible Labor Day Anti-Billionaires Rally in Houghton, MI, Denise Maronen speaks about her grandfather's death in a local mine and her family's faith in unions. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

Lois Gemignani of the AWAVE group commented on the subject of Maronen's speech.

"The community came out to honor Labor Day," Gemignani said. "We remembered the Copper Country’s brutal history of the mining companies fighting the union over basic safety issues. The cost of mining was in human lives. It is especially important that we remember America’s past. As we are seeing constitutional rights being eroded, let’s remember how hard our ancestors fought for their basic needs. Don’t be silent!" 

AWAVE's Lois Gemignani made this sign displayed on AWAVE's information table during the Sept. 1 Rally. (Photo courtesy Lois Gemignani)

Another moving personal story came from teacher Janel Summers, who spoke about a serious health issue that could have cost her employment if it hadn't been for the aid from a union.

Teacher Janel Summers speaks about her positive experience with unions. (Video by Keweenaw Now) 

During the speaker presentations, singer Toni Saari offered a musical interlude including several familiar protest songs.

Local musician and singer Toni Saari entertains during the Sept. 1, 2025, Keweenaw Indivisible Labor Day Anti-Billionaires Rally in Houghton, MI. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

Poet Alan Salmi of Hancock and Chicago reminded the audience of labor activist Joe Hill, who was framed for a murder he did not commit and executed by firing squad in Utah in 1915. Hill was a member of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW, familiarly called the "Wobblies"), an international labor union founded in Chicago; and he was active in organizing workers during the early 20th century.***

During the Sept. 1, 2025, Keweenaw Indivisible Labor Day Anti-Billionaires Rally in Houghton, MI, poet Alan Salmi recites a poem that expresses labor organizer Joe Hill's last will. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

As a follow-up to the poem, musician Eli Haber of the band Bees, Bees, Bees, who provided more music following the speakers, sang the song "Joe Hill."***

During a musical performance by the group Bees, Bees, Bees, musician Eli Haber sings "Joe Hill" about the famed labor organizer unjustly executed. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

Elizabeth Flynn, a member of Keweenaw Indivisible, commented on the music and the speakers.

"Wonderful to listen to great music, enlightened speakers, and enjoy the beautiful day," Flynn said. "We can all use some uplifting in these difficult times. Thanks to Rich Canevez and the local Indivisible chapter. I was happy to be part of a national movement and to be reminded that workers are considerably more important than billionaires, the message of Labor Day."

Here are some of the signs exhibited during the Sept. 1 Rally in Houghton. (Photo by John Peiffer for Keweenaw Now)

And this courageous participant displayed this large banner for a long time. (Photo by John Peiffer for Keweenaw Now) 

One new candidate for an important office who attended the Rally spoke briefly with Keweenaw Now about the issues that concern him: Brian Irizarry, Houghton City Councilman, who is running for Michigan's 110th District State Representative. 

During the Sept. 1, 2025, Keweenaw Indivisible Labor Day Anti-Billionaires Rally in Houghton, Brian Irizarry, a local Democratic candidate for Michigan's 110th District State Representative, speaks briefly with Keweenaw Now about his concerns and why he is running. He is presently a member of the Houghton City Council. (Video by Keweenaw Now)**** 

In some closing remarks, KI local organizer Rich Canevez thanked those who attended the Rally and noted Labor Day is a moment to honor the courage of workers in the past and to commit ourselves to standing up for workers' rights today.

"And remember: we are all workers," Canevez said. "We make with our hands, think with our minds, speak with our mouths, and move with our feet. We are the motor that keeps America working. And we can make our voice heard from wherever we are! Resisting the erosion of our rights is a duty we can, we must, commit to. And when you do speak up against exploitation, know that you do not have to do it alone. Around you here today are the very people who will transform a singular act of resistance into a movement."

After the Rally, Valorie Troesch, an active member of the Houghton County Democratic Party, told Keweenaw Now she was glad to see so many people show up at the Rally and acknowledge the importance of Labor Day, a national holiday since 1894.

"And, of course, Franklin Roosevelt's Labor Secretary, Frances Perkins, was a powerful advocate for workers. After all, the creation of a national retirement plan -- Social Security -- was her brainchild," Troesch noted.

"Workers' rights have never been under siege as they are today," Troesch added. "Donald Trump, who has never known an honest day of work in his life, and his entire Project 2025 administration are hostile to workers and are doing everything they can to undermine the security and safety of workers. From defunding OSHA to voiding federal union contracts to making the NLRB effectively non functional, he demonstrates on a daily basis how brazenly anti-worker he is.

"The most important thing is for us to show up and resist. That is, after all, how labor rights were achieved in the first place. Workers united and resisted. Today was a good reminder that this spirit is still alive and active in the Copper Country. We must never give in or give up."

Sarah Green of Calumet, who carried her world flag during the Rally, told Keweenaw Now, "That rally was a great example of people coming together to celebrate our power as a community. These events are essential to bring new people into the resistance."

Green -- the founder of CRAG (Citizens Rally for Accountable Government), a newsletter on citizen participation in local government and helpful news items related to defending democracy against the attacks by the present administration -- comments on the Rally and reports on America's descent into authoritarianism in her September 8, 2025, CRAG newsletter.*****   

Becky Darling, who attended the Rally, had this brief comment: "We are all in this together."

Editor's Notes:

* The KUUF building, where Keweenaw Indivisible meets, is at 604 Bridge Street, Houghton, MI 49931

** For information about the League of Women Voters of the Copper Country, visit their Web site. 

*** For more about Joe Hill see the Wikipedia article, "Joe Hill (Activist)."

**** To learn more about candidate Brian Irizarry and his position on issues, see his Web site.

***** CLICK HERE to read Sarah Green's Sept. 8, 2025, CRAG newsletter.

Updated: Protectors of all ages complete 7th annual Menominee on the Menominee Canoe Journey

 By Michele Bourdieu

On July 3, 2025, Day 1 of the Menominee on the Menominee Canoe Journey, paddlers Dawn Wilber, co-organizer, and Izabella (Bella) Wilber display the Protectors of the Menominee River flag on their canoe. (Photo © John Peiffer for Keweenaw Now)

MENOMINEE RIVER -- Four days -- 48 miles -- with the Protectors of the Menominee River in canoes and kayaks -- that was our goal for the July 4th, 2025, weekend. After kayaking just the first day of the trip in 2024, Keweenaw Now decided to do the entire trip this year, July 3-6, in the same tandem kayak generously lent to us by Dean Juntunen of Mass City. 

And the weather cooperated -- with the exception of a rain storm one night that left some campers with soggy tents! However, their complaints were few since everyone shared the goal of paddling all four days if possible. On July 3, participants, young and older, launched their canoes and kayaks near the 60 Islands site of the ancient Menominee burial grounds, gardens and dance rings -- Anaem Omot (Dog's Belly), a Menominee Tribe cultural landscape bisected by the Menominee River that separates Wisconsin and Michigan. The site, which was nominated for the National Register of Historic Places by the Historic Preservation Review Boards of both Wisconsin (2021) and Michigan (2022), was approved for that listing by the National Park Service in 2023.*

View of the Menominee River near ancient garden beds at one of the Menominee cultural sites nominated for the National Register of Historic Places. (Keweenaw Now file photo) 

The main goal of the Menominee on the Menominee Canoe Journeys, held now for seven years, is to call attention to the need for protecting the river and those sacred sites from the threat of the Back 40 mining project for gold, copper, zinc and lead -- a sulfide mine that could be built very close to the river and these sacred sites.

This year's canoe/kayak trip was especially notable for the presence of a group of young paddlers who had great fun shooting water guns and cooling off both on the water and during the "swim stops." They also joined in counting the wildlife observed during the trip -- from eagles, osprey and heron to turtles, a pair of porcupines and a number of woodducks. The kids had fun while learning.

Co-organizer and teacher Dawn Wilber noted, "Our kids are so respectful to others out here." 

Young participants in the Menominee Canoe Journey enjoy a friendly water fight during one of the swim stops. (Photo © and courtesy Dawn Wilber)

Day 1: July 3 

On July 3, 2025, Dawn Wilber, co-organizer with Wayne Swett of the Menominee on the Menominee Canoe Journey, welcomed Anahkwet (Guy Reiter), executive Director of a Menominee Indian community organization called Menīkānaehkem, Inc., to speak to the participants in the journey before the Day 1 launch near the 60 Islands cultural site.

As participants in the 2025 Menominee Canoe Journey prepare to launch canoes and kayaks near the 60 Islands cultural site on Day 1 of the trip, Dawn Wilber, second from right, introduces Anahkwet (Guy Reiter), center, Menominee community activist, to speak some inspirational words to the group. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

Reiter spoke about historical places along the river. He also noted the power of the river to help and guide us and the need for its protection.

"When you're in your canoe the river is holding you and having a relationship with you, and it's been doing that for 1,000 years for our people," Reiter said. 

Co-organizer Wayne Swett commented on Facebook that, as Guy Reiter spoke, an eagle sat in a tree, waiting. Swett said the group checked out two eagle's nests on Day 1 of the trip. 

"One of the participants found a white tail feather! Good find," Swett noted.

One of the first of many eagles spotted on the trip seems to supervise the canoes and kayaks setting out on Day 1, July 3. (Photo © and courtesy Dawn Wilber)

"We do this [journey] to show our existence and re-connection to our Creation place," co-organizer Dawn Wilber commented on Facebook. "Also to show our opposition to the proposed sulfide mine."

Canoes and kayaks set out on Day 1 from the launch site. (Photo © and courtesy Dawn Wilber)

"Enjoyed the quietness on the Menominee River listening to birds singing, looking for wildlife and reconnecting," Wayne Swett commented on Day 1. "Checked out the mouth of the Pike River, which is historic in its own self."

On Day 1 of the 2025 Menominee on the Menominee Canoe Trip, Dawn Wilber, co-organizer, paddles ahead with her grand-niece, Izabella (Bella) Wilber to lead the group. They stopped often to observe and photograph eagles and other wildlife. (Video © John Peiffer for Keweenaw Now)

Another eagle spotted on Day 1 keeps an eye on the paddlers. (Photo © and courtesy Dawn Wilber)

"When we are on that river, we are always looking for the Eagles --  looking in the trees, looking on the ground, looking in the water," Dawn Wilber commented on Facebook. 

During the swim stops, Hunter Peters loved taking photos of people, sometimes candid or amusing. On Day 1 he captured (or set up) a photo of the co-organizers:

Wayne Swett's Facebook comment on this photo: "Standing guard! Lol." (Photo © and courtesy Hunter Peters)

Day 2: July 4

Wayne Swett reported that Day 2 began with a visit from neighbors, who live near the camp.

"Started out the day with breakfast and a visit from the neighbors who lived bout a mile away," Swett said. "Fed 'em breakfast and visited. They had some beautiful huskies." 

On Day 2, neighbors visit the camp during breakfast. Ann Marie Oshkosh (Annie), second from left, is the cook. (Photo © and courtesy Wayne Swett.)

Swett spent Day 2 fishing, according to his comments on Facebook: "Been wanting to do some fishing on these trips but was always busy so I decided to skip the paddling part and spend the day at camp fishing since this was a short day for the paddlers. Sat in the shade and put a nightcrawler in the water. I haven't been fishing in 10 yrs so I was enjoying it. Lol."

He was pretty relaxed that day and agreed to an interview by Keweenaw Now.

Wayne Swett, co-organizer of the Menominee on the Menominee Canoe Journey for 7 years, speaks with Keweenaw Now about the new campsite for this year's trip -- the Chappee Webber Learning Center, located on the river and made possible by the generosity of the Menominee Historical Society. He also notes the educational as well as the entertainment value for the young people on the trip. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

Wayne Swett cools off during one of the swim stops. (Photo © and courtesy Dawn Wilber)

Weather on July 4 was good again for paddlers on the river.

Canoes and kayaks head down the Menominee River on the second day of the 2025 Menominee on the Menominee Canoe Journey. (Video by John Peiffer for Keweenaw Now)

Dawn Wilber posted on Facebook these comments on July 4: "Day 2 in the books! Short run today but not short of fun! Half way done and half way to go! I will do this run as long as I can get in these canoes. This place is so relaxing and peaceful. Sitings count today: 7 Eagles, 1 Hawk, 1 Turtle, 2 Jumping fish, 4 Swim spots...."

Sometimes the group could stop on a sandbar for a swim or lunch, tying the boats together. (Photo © and courtesy Dawn Wilber)

Wilber also spoke with Keweenaw Now on Day 2.

Dawn Wilber, co-organizer of the Menominee on the Menominee Canoe Journeys for the past 7 years, speaks about the new camp site and some of the purposes of the canoe journeys -- protecting the river from the proposed Back 40 sulfide mine, educating young participants and offering her people an opportunity to connect with others and with the place their ancestors called home. (Video by Keweenaw Now) 

One of the young people on the trip for the first time this year was Gracey Chaltry, whose mother, Regina Chaltry, has made the trip almost every year. On July 4, Gracey gave her impressions of the trip so far.

Gracey Chaltry tells Keweenaw Now why she is participating in the 2025 Menominee on the Menominee Canoe Journey with her mother and what she plans to study in the future. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

Gracey Chaltry and her Mom, Regina Chaltry, enjoy canoeing together during the 2025 Menominee on the Menominee Canoe Journey. (Photo © and courtesy Dawn Wilber)

Back at the camp, Ann Marie Oshkosh (Annie) the cook, prepared breakfast and dinner each day, cooking on a campfire near the dining pavilion with the help of volunteers when they were available. The main dishes of the meals are Menominee traditional foods including buffalo or venison or elk, walleye for the fish fry on Friday, boiled vegetables (including potatoes, carrots, corn on the cob, green beans, squash and parsnips), and her special wild rice with berries. 

Annie Oshkosh cooks wild rice for a traditional salad of wild rice and berries. Regina Chaltry is ready to assist her. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

Kyle Pecore stops by to help Annie by stirring the wild rice. (Photo © and courtesy Wayne Swett)

Another helper of Annie's, who also worked as a firekeeper and more, is Joe Moses, who occasionally took a break from his duties to play his flute.

Joe Moses takes a brief musical break while waiting for launch time. Joe was extremely helpful to all the paddlers in delivering canoes and kayaks each day and assisting with many duties at the camp. (Video by John Peiffer for Keweenaw Now)

Joe Moses displays several of his indigenous flutes at the camp and explains some to Kyle Pecore and Regina Chaltry. (Photo by John Peiffer for Keweenaw Now)

Two of the busiest people during the Journey -- sisters Dawn Wilber and Annie Oshkosh -- still found a few moments to sing a welcome song at camp.

During a brief break from their duties at the camp during the 2025 Menominee on the Menominee Canoe Journey, Annie Oshkosh, chief cook, and Dawn Wilber, co-organizer, sing a welcoming song in the Menominee language. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

Musician John Peiffer also took advantage of some free time at camp to sing and play some music.

During a relaxing moment at camp, John Peiffer plays a song inspired by last year's Menominee on the Menominee Canoe Journey, "Words Fail."** (Photo © and courtesy Wayne Swett)

Day 3: July 5

On Day 3, rain threatened but the storm didn't arrive until evening, when some campers' tents got soaked.

Early that day the firekeepers were concerned about keeping the fire going in case of rain.

Dave Oshkosh, the chief firekeeper, is pictured here with the sacred fire that must be kept burning day and night throughout the four-day journey. Notice the turtle shape of the fireplace. (Photo by Keweenaw Now) 

Ron Dickie, one of Dave the firekeeper's helpers, adds wood to the sacred fire on July 5. (Photo © and courtesy Wayne Swett)

Co-organizer Wayne Swett commented on the fire preparation before the rain. 

"Under the watchful eyes of Dave and myself, Ron Dickie stacked wood on our sacred fire to protect the the heart of the fire as the storm approached," Swett wrote. "That fire did not go out during that storm. Everything and everybody got wet but the fire stayed the course, horse!" 

Swett admitted he forgot to close the window flaps on his tent.

"Mattress was half floating and as usual everything got wet," he wrote on Facebook. "You might want to call it a Water Protector baptismal of sorts. Not the first time and I doubt the last time. It's part of camping."

At the camp on Day 3, Keweenaw Now interviewed two more participants -- Christine Fossen-Rades, a teacher at the Menominee Indian High School in Keshena, Wis., and Kyle Pecore of Keshena, a student there -- about their reasons for joining the canoe/kayak journey.

Christine Fossen Rades, who teaches science and archaeology at the Menominee Indian High School in Keshena, Wis., speaks about her reasons for participating in the canoe trip each year and her project-based teaching and learning experiences with her students. (Video by Keweenaw Now) 

Christine Fossen-Rades enjoys a swim stop during the canoe journey. (Photo © and courtesy Dawn Wilber)

Kyle Pecore of Keshena, Wis., who paddled a kayak during the 2025 Menominee on the Menominee Canoe Trip, tells Keweenaw Now about his many kayaking experiences and his enjoyment of this trip. (Video by Keweenaw Now)   

Kyle Pecore paddles his kayak, always alert to spot an eagle or other wildlife. (Photo © and courtesy Dawn Wilber)

Paddlers had a shorter day on July 5 but still enjoyed 2 swim stops and observed a variety of wildlife. According to Dawn Wilber, they counted 9 Eagles, 2 Herons, 1 Porcupine, 2 Deer, 2 Jumping fish, and 1 Turtle.

One of the blue Herons Dawn Wilber observed. (Photo © and courtesy Dawn Wilber) 

At one of the swim stops Hunter Peters tries to dunk Dawn, but they are evenly matched. However, Dawn claims she dunked Hunter every time he tried this! (Photo courtesy Hunter Peters)

Hunter's two canoe partners, his nieces Leilani (smiling in foreground) and Lizzie, don't seem to mind his antics at the swim stops. (Photo © and courtesy Hunter Peters)

After a portage at Turtle Nation the canoes and kayaks took off from McAllister Bridge for the home of Ed (Buff) and Sally Draze.

Canoes and kayaks launch from McAllister Bridge. (Photo © and courtesy Dawn Wilber)

The water level allowed a scenic paddle between the twin islands, Bella and Aurora, named for Bella Wilber and her twin sister.

Paddling through the twin islands, participants enjoy one of the scenic routes on Day 3. (Photo © and courtesy Dawn Wilber)

With the rain storm coming, the group had to get out of the water earlier than usual; and the paddlers, canoes and kayaks were driven to Buff and Sally Draze's house, where Ann Marie Oshkosh, the cook, created some traditional dishes to share.

The early landing was at a park that turned out to be a great swim stop for the kids as well.

The younger paddlers meet the challenge of climbing a steep, sandy hill with canoes and kayaks at their early stop in a park to be safe from the threatening storm on July 5. (Photo © and courtesy Dawn Wilber)

The kids dash into the water with just enough time for a swim to cool off at the park. (Photo © and courtesy Dawn Wilber)

This group photo was taken in the park where the group stopped on July 5 because of the storm warnings. Dawn Wilber noted this group shot was important to include a few of the paddlers who would be unable to continue participating on the final day. (Photo courtesy Dawn Wilber)

Canoes, kayaks and paddlers were welcomed by signs at the Draze property, where the boats were stored overnight for the launch on the fourth and final day.

Welcome signs at the home of Ed and Sally Draze. (Photo © and courtesy Wayne Swett)
 

Ed (Buff) and Sally Draze offer their hospitality to the Canoe Journey participants at dinner time. (Photo © and courtesy Wayne Swett)

"Since we live on the Menominee River we really appreciate all that the Menominee Nation does to promote an awareness of keeping our river safe from the perils of mining," Sally Draze told Keweenaw Now. "This year we were honored to host a feast that Ann Marie Oshkosh prepared for the last night of their annual canoe trip on the Menominee. We invited additional mutual friends to cheer them on their mission. Some of their supporters were not able to make the event due to the storm that came along. Fortunately the canoes and kayaks arrived just before the storm hit.

"The gathering filled our home wall to wall with people, both young and old. The fellowship was wonderful with great camaraderie along with fabulous food! New memories and new friendships were made, and we look forward to supporting our friends again next year."

In Sally Draze's kitchen, chef Ann Marie Oshkosh, left, is pictured here with Sally, center, and Dawn Wilber, following the dinner Ann Marie prepared for the Canoe Journey participants and supporters on July 5, 2025, Day 3 of the journey. (Photo © John Peiffer for Keweenaw Now) 

For the dinner at the Draze home, Ann Marie (Annie) cooked an array of delicious cultural foods -- using elk, beans and corn, including a delicious meatless hullcorn (Mandan bride variety) soup with red beans.

Day 4: July 6 

Paddlers pause for a group photo with Sally and Buff Draze before setting out on July 6, the fourth and final day of the journey, and heading for their destination -- the Bear at Menekaunee Harbor. (Photo © and courtesy Wayne Swett)

Journey participants prepare to launch their canoes and kayaks from the Draze property on the river the morning of July 6 following a rain storm the night before. (Photo © and courtesy Wayne Swett)

On the way to the final stop at the Bear, the group made a brief stop at the new base camp, where the paddlers joined staff members there for a group photo.

Proud of their designation as "Riff Raff for the River,'' the group pauses on Day 4 at the base camp for a photo. (Photo © and courtesy Wayne Swett)

The next important stop was Menominee Island, an island in the river that local resident Tom Boerner gifted to the Menominee nation. Boerner has been involved in challenging the Part 632 mining permit for the Back 40 mine.

Gilbert Boivin Sr. (Andy), in foreground, is pictured here with the group during the stop on Menominee Island. "Third time I have stood on the Menominee Island on the Menominee River!" he said proudly. (Photo © and courtesy Gilbert Boivin Sr.)  

Christine Fossen-Rades enjoys a relaxing break among the interesting Menominee Island vegetation, including milkweed. (Photo © and courtesy Dawn Wilber)

Dawn Wilber discovered an "empty" turtle shell on Menominee Island.

 

"Found this just sitting here," Dawn writes of this turtle shell. "No longer in this world and what was spectacular is, when I touched the underside of it, it felt like a heartbeat. Others felt it too." (Photo © and courtesy Dawn Wilber) 

 

Following a portage at Cox Landing, the last leg of the journey was somewhat easier because of a passage that took them out of the wind for a while. They passed an area where woodducks gathered, and some spotted an Egret in another location on the river, which was unusual. 

 

Paddlers notice an Egret flying just above the water. According to Dawn Wilber, an Egret would normally be observed only on an island near the end of the river. (Photo © and courtesy Dawn Wilber)

The last stretch to reach the Bear at Menekaunee Harbor was the most challenging of the trip.

 

Wayne Swett writes, "This is where teamwork comes into play as you're paddling against a strong wind coming off Lake Michigan. A test of your stamina to reach that train trestle which is the point of calmer water. After that it's not miles but yards! One last push against the wind and year 7 is in the books!"

Paddlers fight the wind as they approach the landing at the Bear. (Photo © and courtesy Wayne Swett)

Rocks right near the landing at the Bear were another obstacle to overcome in the wind!

Cedar Fernandez and Jeremiah Moses (TJ) maneuver their canoe around the rocks near the landing. (Photo © and courtesy Wayne Swett) 

We made it! (Photo courtesy Michele Bourdieu) 

Photos in front of the Bear, the statue that represents the origin of the Menominee people, are in order as soon as kayaks and canoes are unloaded. 

Paddlers with their supporters and staff pause for a group photo at the Bear on July 6, 2025, the seventh year of the Menominee on the Menominee Canoe Journey. (Photo courtesy Dawn Wilber) 

From right, Dawn Wilber, Wayne Swett and Jwin Zillier -- the three who made the first Menominee on the Menominee Canoe Journey in 2018.* See interview with Jwin below. (Photo courtesy Wayne Swett) 

Pictured here on Day 4, co-organizers Dawn Wilber and her "buddy" Wayne Swett are ready to plan next year's Menominee on the Menominee Canoe Journey. (Photo courtesy Dawn Wilber)

Following a tradition, participants are greeted by supporters who join them for a great meal at Applejack's Restaurant in Marinette, Wis.

At Applejack's, paddlers, staff and friends celebrate the seventh annual Canoe Journey completion. (Photo courtesy Dawn Wilber)

Back at the base camp, as campers packed up their tents, Keweenaw Now asked a few more participants to share their impressions of the Canoe Journey.

Jwin Zillier, one of the original three Menominee on the Menominee to make the journey -- with Dawn Wilber and Wayne Swett -- took on the role of van driver this year.

On the final day of the 2025 Menominee on the Menominee Canoe Trip, Jwin Zillier, one of the three Menominee tribal members who paddled the first trip 7 years ago, speaks about her new role this year as the van driver for the group. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

Laureen Kaprelian of Wallace, Mich., a board member of the Menominee Historical Society, was instrumental in arranging for the new camp site the Society generously donated for this year's Canoe Journey.

Taking a break from helping with cleanup at the camp site on July 6, Laureen Kaprelian -- a board member of the Menominee Historical Society, which offered the use of their Chappee-Webber Learning Center property as a campsite for the Canoe Journey participants -- speaks about the history of the property, which was the site of the first trading post on the Menominee River. Laureen and her son Tom both paddled kayaks during the Journey. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

This tombstone near the camp site commemorates Louis Chappee (Chaput) (1766-1856), a noble Frenchman, who was an explorer and the first trader on the Menominee River. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)
 

Laureen Kaprelian paddles her kayak during the 2025 Journey on the Menominee. (Photo © and courtesy Dawn Wilber)

During the 2025 Menominee on the Menominee Canoe Journey, Thomas Duncanson, son of Laureen Kaprelian, paddles his kayak, followed by several canoes. (Photo © and courtesy Wayne Swett) 

Jeremiah Moses (TJ) told Keweenaw Now how he and his partner, Cedar Fernandez, became interested in the Menominee on the Menominee Canoe Journey and continue to participate.

Jeremiah Moses (TJ) introduces himself in the Menominee language, which he studies and teaches, and speaks about his participation in the Menominee on the Menominee Canoe Journeys along with his partner, Cedar Fernandez. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

Jeremiah Moses and Cedar Fernandez are here with their canoe as they prepare to launch from the Draze property on Day 4, for the final destination at the Bear. (Photo © and courtesy Wayne Swett) 

Cedar Fernandez, who was recuperating from bee stings after the final paddle on Day 4, was unavailable for an interview with Jeremiah, but sent Keweenaw Now her thoughts about the trip:

"Waqsepāēkacīwen eneq ekāēyan mesek Cedar Fernandez eneq āēs wīhseyan. Netōmāēqnomenēwem.

Waqsepāēkacīwen is what the spirits call me and Cedar Fernandez is what I am named. I am Menominee. I use Wenah, She, and They as my pronouns," Cedar writes.

"This was my third year on the Menominee River Canoe Journey with fellow Protectors of the Menominee River. Each year that I have been on this journey, I have come to feel more love and appreciation for Menominee river. From the creation stories that ground us in these places, to animals, plants, ancestors, rocks, soils, and waters who remind us of them. Eagle, Crane, Sturgeon, Turtle, Deer, Tree, and more Relatives who show up in the sky, on the ground, and in the water to say, 'Posoh-Hi,' reminding us of our stories and creating more with us. They take so much care of us, and we do our best to take care of them.

"I know I am home on our river.

"I remember who we are while being present with who we are now. We aren’t separate from our relations who came before us, we live with them and they live with us.

"Through four days of laughter, love, and learning, I am always wishing I can stay on Menominee river longer -- and I just can’t wait for next year!

"I want to say waewaenen (thank you) to all of our Relatives who joined us this journey. I so appreciate each of you for everything you bring and do in support and in working together to make things happen. I appreciate the community space we make and share through our journeys. We teach each other so much. I look forward to continuing to learn from one another and continuing to be a part of this sacred community space we carry as we connect with our beautiful Menominee River.

"Ketāpānenaemuaw (I love you all)." 

 Editor's Notes:

* See the Keweenaw Now June 28, 2023, article, "Menominee cultural site listed on National Register of Historic Places." See also the Wisconsin Public Radio July 2 (updated July 17), 2025, article, "Archaeologists make surprising discovery along the Menominee River on Wisconsin border," about the Dartmouth study of ancient raised garden beds at the 60 Islands site -- using lidar technology.

** See the Keweenaw Now August 8, 2024, article, "Protectors of the Menominee River, opponents of proposed Back 40 sulfide mine, complete 6th Annual Menominee on the Menominee Canoe Journey." A video of John Peiffer singing his song "Words Fail" at the Aura Jamboree is included in the article.

This year's Canoe Journey inspired a new song, "Earth, Water, Sky," which he sang at the July 2025 Aura Jamboree.