ALPENA — The award-winning documentary “Mindjimendamowin (Blood Memory)” will be presented during a free showing at The Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center at 7 p.m. Oct. 12.

Directed, written, and produced by Harrisville resident Mary Ellen Jones, “Mindjimendamowin” has won a variety of awards and nominations including Best Documentary at the Sunrise 45 Film Festival.

It started during a larger project about exploring Native American history in the state’s northeastern region through a Michigan Heritage Grant. From that project, Jones began the documentary, and it has become a celebrated piece of work illustrating the rich local Native American history.

Heritage Center spokeswoman Stephanie Gandulla said it is a great opportunity for the community to see the documentary.

“We are really excited to host this film,” Gandulla said, “and bring in diverse topics from such a powerful form of communication.”

The documentary details a young, Native American man as he follows the Old Shore Indian Trail — which is now U.S.-23 –and discovers his ancestry and the culture of the Anishinaabek. It focuses on the elements of land, sky, and water and their relation to Native American culture.

Travis Agosa, a Harrisville resident, portrays the young Native American man in the film.

Jones said the film is very experiential, and she is excited to present it to the community.

“We are looking forward to the community’s questions,” Jones said. “I want it to be a jumping-off point to further studies of Native American history in the region.”

Curtis Chambers narrated the film and, as a former Ogema (chief) of the Cheboiganing Lake Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, he said it was an exciting experience for him. Chambers said it is an important piece that explores the first culture of the region.

“I had a wonderful time getting to know my ancestors,” Chambers said, “and meeting old friends for the first time.”

In addition to Jones and Chambers, the crew members who helped produce the documentary included Zachary Irving, the cinematographer, film editor and co-producer; Alpena resident Travis Van Horn for sound design and production; and Allan Grund, the poet, playwright and musician who wrote the poem “Easter 2016,” which is featured in the film.

After the showing of the documentary, there will be a panel with members of the film crew available for questions.

Kaitlin Ryan can be reached at kryan@thealpenanews.com or at 358-5693.

If you go

∫ WHAT: Showing of “Mindjimendamowin (Blood Memory)”

∫ WHERE: Great Lake Maritime Heritage Center, 500 W. Fletcher St.

∫ WHEN: Oct. 12; doors open at 6:30 p.m., showing is at 7 p.m.

∫ COST: Free

∫ INFO: thunderbay.noaa.gov/maritime/glmhc.html