Home / News Archive / 2008 Summer Solstice at the Sanilac Petroglyphs

Each year, near the time of the Solstice, the Ziibiwing Cultural Center hosts a gathering near the Sanilac Petroglyphs. The site near Bad Axe, is home to Michigan's only known petroglyphs. The presence of the Three Fires tribes has been documented as far back as 1400 which is why the Sanilac carvings are attributed to the Anishinaabeg. The carvings include images of three archers, bird tracks, animals, mythical creatures, and symbols. The Petroglyphs should be recognized and appreciated. The carvings themselves are meaningful and are a reflection of an organized society which should not be forgotten. Bonnie Ekdahl, of the Saginaw Chippewa tribe in Mount Pleasant, said the tribe believes that the petroglyphs were left for them and contain teachings from which they can learn. "It connects us back to the earth," she said. "It connects us back to the ancestors. We're descended from those people. I mean where did we come from? We've always been here."

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