June 22 – 25, 2020 Washington Island Forum with Kaitlin Curtice

cosponsored by the WI Council of Churches and The Christian Century

“Native: Identity, Belonging and Rediscovering God“

The Wisconsin Council of Churches is excited to welcome Native American Christian author and speaker, Kaitlin B. Curtice as the speaker for the 2020 Washington Island Forum.  As an enrolled member of the Potawatomi Nation and someone who has grown up in the Christian faith, Kaitlin writes on the intersection of Indigenous spirituality, faith in everyday life, and the church.

Kaitlin is a prolific writer and has been featured in publications like OnBeing, Religion News Service, USA Today and Sojourners. She has also spoken at places like Why Christian, Evolving Faith, Wild Goose Festival, and The Festival of Faith and Writing.

About the Washington Island Forum

Lodging, meals and recreational opportunities are offered by Island businesses. The best way to explore your options is to visit the Washington Island Chamber of Commerce website.

When you register you’ll gain access to our closed Facebook group where you can coordinate plans with other registrants if you’d like.

Sample Schedule

8:30 am  – Refreshments

9:00 am – Morning Prayer & presentation by Kaitlin Curtice

afternoons – Time spent relaxing, hiking, exploring the island

2:00 pm – Optional discussion group with Kaitlin Curtice

7:30 pm  – Optional evening activity (vespers, special music)

Lodging

The Forum is limited to 250 participants. Lodging on the Island fills up quickly. We recommend that you reserve your housing early. The Washington Island Chamber of Commerce has a list of housing options found on their webpage.

We also recommend checking out Door Passage Vacation Rental 

and sites like VRBO, Flipkey, and AirBnB

Camping is also available at the Washington Island Campground

Transportation

Driving

Washington Island is accessed by the Washington Island Ferry. Lodging, venues and dining is spread across the 22-square mile island and so we recommend bringing your car. Ferries run every 30-45 minutes between 7:30am and 6:00pm in June so please plan accordingly.

Air

The closest larger commercial airport is Austin Straubel Airport in Green Bay.  If flying, we recommend that the flight arrive in Green Bay no later than 1:00pm on Monday or leave before 5:00 on Thursday.  It is approximately a 2.5 hour drive (including the ferry ride) from Green Bay to Washington Island.  If you prefer the General Mitchell Airport in Milwaukee, the travel time to the Island ferry is about 3.5 hours. Be sure to check the ferry schedule and plan accordingly.

Family

Washington Island has a slower pace and is family friendly.  Friends, spouses, partners and children are welcome. We are exploring childcare options. If you plan to bring your children and would like childcare, please contact us to let us know link contact form to Kerri or execdir@wichurches.org

Comments from previous participants:

I love the Forum and how the depth of the presentations
are matched by the space given for a real retreat experience.

The worship sessions were very, very meaningful.
Thank you! It was really a wonderful week.

So glad I finally made it to a Forum! Thank you!
Very good presentations… useful / applicable to my role as teacher and preacher.

How to Register:  

The $299 fee for the full Forum is due at time of registration. Your fee includes the opening picnic, daily refreshments, and all organized Forum activities. Additional picnics for guests may be also be purchased for $15. Other meals and lodging are not included and must be arranged separately.

Not able to attend the full Forum? Daily registrations are also available.

Register online using EventBrite