Greenleaf Township near Cass City in Sanilac County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Ezhibiigaadek Asin

Knowledge Written on Stone

Photographed by Joel Seewald, May 30, 2026

1. Ezhibiigaadek Asin Marker

Inscription.
These carvings in stone, or petroglyphs, represent the collective memory of the Great Lakes Anishinabek (Original People) ancestors. Certain areas were used for ceremony throughout the Anishinabek aboriginal territory — places selected for their spiritual power and significance. Ceremonies and teachings were conducted at these sacred sites, and many ceremonies still take place at the Sanilac Petroglyphs today.

More than 100 petroglyphs are carved into this large sandstone outcrop and contain valuable lessons that reflect Anishinabek oral history. Some of the outcroppings are said to contain significant information, such as Creation and Prophecy Stories — stories that have been handed down through generations. Other carvings depict daily life and history, such as animal clans and celestial or seasonal events. These teachings help the 21st century Anishinabek understand their past, present and future.

Chief Little Elk of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan believed that the petroglyphs — ezhibiigaadek asin — were carved by Nanabiish (Nanaboozhoo), the Spirit Uncle to all Anishinabek. Nanabiish walked the

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earth before the existence of humankind and was tasked with giving names to all living things. He is believed to have taught the ancestors how to live in balance with Creation.

A Memorandum of Understanding between the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources regarding the co-management of ezhibiigaadek asin/Sanilac Petroglyphs Historic State Park was executed December 2, 2019.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Indigenous Peoples and Communities. A significant historical date for this entry is December 2, 2019.

Location. 43° 39.427′ N, 83° 1.154′ W. Marker is near Cass City, Michigan, in Sanilac County. It is in Greenleaf Township. It can be reached from Germania Road half a mile south of Bay City Forestville Road, on the right when traveling south. Marker is along the trail from the parking lot to the petroglyphs. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 8251 Germania Rd, Cass City MI 48726, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Michigan’s Thumb

and in one of the Lake Huron Shore

Photographed by Joel Seewald, May 30, 2026

2. Ezhibiigaadek Asin Marker

counties. It is also in the American Midwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Sanilac Petroglyphs Historic State Park (here, next to this marker); Sanilac Petroglyphs (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Native Plants (about 300 feet away); Sanilac Petroglyphs Park Geology (about 400 feet away); Archaeology (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named Ezhibiigaadek Asin (about 600 feet away); The Great Thumb Fires (approx. 0.2 miles away); Citizens Bank Block (approx. 5.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cass City.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 7, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 7, 2026, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 3 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 7, 2026, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.