“Gaa-zagaandagaag-zaaga’igan” is the Ojibwe word for the lake now known as “Saganaga”, the lake on which Chik-Wauk sits at the very end of the Gunflint Trail. Zagaandagaa-Anishinaabeg delves into the history, culture, and experiences of the native people of the border lakes region. The exhibit contains nine new exhibit zones including an interactive borders map, the story of Chief Blackstone’s Last Walk animated by Jonathon Thunder, illustrations and paintings by Carl Gawboy, pre-historic and Fur Trade era artifacts never previously displayed, an area that invites visitors to listen to stories of Trail living passed down through generations of families, and the popular Voyageur pack lift. At the heart of the exhibit is a beautiful new mural created by local artist Sam Zimmerman and an activity-based Turtle Island sculpture.

The public is invited to the Exhibit Celebration on Saturday, August 22, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Chik-Wauk campus (28 Moose Pond Dr, Grand Marais, MN 55604).

The event will feature guest speakers, music by Briand Morrison, sweet and savory treats, and refreshments. Members of the design team and muralist Sam Zimmerman will be available to answer questions and share their experience with visitors.

The Gunflint Trail Historical Society is grateful to the following foundations who have made a significant investment in the new exhibit Zagaandagaa-Anishinaabeg, People of the Thick Coniferous Forest.

• Blandin Foundation
• Lloyd K Johnson Foundation
• Arrowhead Arts Council
• Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB)
• Cook County Community Fund – Boreal Waters Community Fund
• Nora McNeely Hurley Foundation
• Private Donations