The Great Lakes are perhaps Michigan’s — and Northeast Michigan’s — greatest treasure.

And the Thunder Bay International Film Festival can teach us just how important the lakes — and the oceans — are to each and every one of us.

The 11th annual festival starts Thursday in Harrisville, continues Friday through Sunday in Alpena, and concludes Monday in Rogers City, News Lifestyles Editor Darby Hinkley reported recently.

With nearly 100 films ranging in length from two minutes to 92 minutes long, the festival brings the ocean to Northeast Michigan, as well as many Great Lakes-themed features.

Education is the first step in activism, and we believe the festival is a great way to learn about the dangers facing our lakes and oceans, as well as ways each of us can act to improve the health of those waters.

If you’ve never been, the festival is worth the trip. If you’ve been before, it’s worth going again, because each year offers new films. Arm yourself with information and be entertained along the way.

For tickets and film information, visit thunderbayfriends.org. An all-inclusive Thunder Pass gets you into all films for $100, which benefits the Friends of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary.