On a cloudless 75 degree Sunday, with only a light breeze coming off of Lake Michigan, hundreds of people gathered at the border of Manitowoc and Two Rivers for the dedication ceremony for the Spirit of the Rivers monument. The journey of the monument began a decade ago as an idea scribbled on a piece of paper. Spirit of the Rivers Co-Chair Amy Wergin recalls the first time she saw them, as they were given to her by Joe Metzen from the Spirit of the Rivers Board of Directors.
At the dedication, the Great Great Grandson of Chief Mishicot, the namesake for the City of Mishicot, Earl Mishicot was on hand to thank all those involved.
The monument is comprised of three Native Americans, one portaging a birch bark canoe, his female companion, and an elder. According to Sculptor RT “Skip” Wallen, each one has their own story. He told the story behind the hand gesture the elder is making.
Stop on down to the shores of Lake Michigan across from Aurora Medical Center to view this incredible tribute to the Native Americans that came before us, and the Maritime history of the area.
