Cultual Trail Interpretive Sites For questions or further information, contact: Tiina Morin Arts and Culture Manager Office of Arts and Culture City of Marquette 300 West Baraga Marquette, Ml 49855 Office: 906-228-0472 Email: tmorin@marquettemi.gov The City of Marquette reserves the right to reject any or all proposals. The intent of this proposal is to select a Vendor to design, fabricate and install eight interpretive sites along the City of Marquette's new Cultural Trail (Trail). See Appendix B. The Trail will connect eight historically significant sites along the pre-existing, seven-mile walking path currently used for recreational purposes. Sites will explore Marquette's past, present and future through the stories of the people, land, water, industry, and development as outlined by the City Office of Arts and Culture (City). Vendor will work collaboratively with City staff and Partners to develop content, design, and implementation of the project. The interpretive sites will be a cultural overlay on the existing recreational Trail and not include engineering or design of the Trail itself. I. CULTURAL TRAIL BACKGROUND AND PROJECT DETAIL The City was awarded grant funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, Our Town Grant Program (NEA) and Michigan Native American Heritage Fund (NAPHF) for the interpretation of culture, history and environment through signage and public art. Our goal is to provide exceptional interpretive site design connecting the eight historically significant stretching from the mouth of the Carp River to Presque Isle Park, to revitalize how we teach and celebrate our entire history and culture. The Trail's eight sites shown in Appendix B. will be more than a physical walkway but provide equal access to the historical, cultural, spiritual, and ecological lessons of the lake, land, and community. The Trail will be designed to evoke emotion and inspire civic responsibility. Topics that have emerged through the Cultural Trail planning process include: Unique Features and Common Site Themes Cultural Significance of Sites to Anishinaabe Local Culture and Heritage Lake Superior Development of Shoreline Then and Now Women in History Key Stories Lake Superior, Surrounding Wetlands/Rivers: They are not a resource, but a life source. Industrial and Urban Development: Impact on the shoreline, environmental remediation, and accessibility. Climate Change: Shoreline restoration and conservation efforts. Natural History and Geology Maritime History Recreational History: A catalyst for bringing people together. Anishinaabe History and Culture: Recognizing Anishinaabe are part of the Marquette community, practicing traditions and reinvigorating language and culture. Early Settlement and Immigration Non-Traditional Storytelling and Community Collaboration This project should extend beyond our common understanding of historical signage. In addition, to including facts and dates, interpretation must include Anishinaabe and local immigrant cultures, art, language, and storytelling. This can be done using non-traditional methods and materials (i.e., prominent stones and metals, a prioritization of storytelling through art in place of words, or an overarching theme/concept). All of this will be achieved through direct collaboration with the following Core Partners: Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Marquette Regional History Center Marquette Maritime Museum Superior Watershed Partnership and Land Conservancy Northern Michigan University Beaumier Heritage Center City of Marquette Arts and Culture Committee City of Marquette Public Art Commission City of Marquette Parks and Recreation Board Local Artists and Culture Bearers