Take a step into the past and discover the deep-rooted Native American history on Dauphin Island during the Dauphin Island Native American Experience at Fort Gaines, June 15.

The Dauphin Island Heritage and Arts Council held the inaugural event in 2019, had a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic and returned in 2022. This year's event is set to be the biggest event and Dauphin Island Heritage and Arts Council executive director said she is hoping this year's event tops previous events.

Dauphin Island's Native American heritage stretches back thousands of years. Researchers have found evidence of prehistoric settlements at Indian Shell Mound Park dating back more than 3,200 years.

Make pottery that you can take home with Tammie Beane.

The Dauphin Island Native American Experience will give visitors a fun day of learning about the rich Native American culture and history with tribal members of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Mississippi Choctaw Band of Indians and Seminole Tribe of Florida. Along with the tribal members several experts and historians will bring their knowledge to share with guests.

The event will take place at Fort Gaines on Dauphin Island, giving guests full-day admission to the Fort and the ability to come and go all day long.

What to Expect

Visitors to the Dauphin Island Native American Experience will have the opportunity to engage in activities. Learn how to play stickball with Gregory McGhee and other Poarch Band of Creek Indians and experience traditional social dancing with the Mississippi Choctaw Band of Indians. Get hands-on and make pottery that you can take home with Tammie Beane and see how a traditional canoe is carved with Daniel Tommie.

See how a traditional canoe is carved with Daniel Tommie.

When your crew gets hungry, just step outside the fort's imposing entrance and dine at one of four food trucks before going back in to enjoy more.

Other event highlights include:

Poarch Creek Band of Indians Cultural Exhibit: Explore traditional arts and artifacts, gaining insight into the history, traditions and contemporary life of the Poarch Creek people.

Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Knowledge Keeper Presentation: Tribal Elder Carman Denson will share valuable insights into Choctaw culture and heritage.

Creek Clothing Display: View traditional 19th-century Creek clothing with expert Doug Rogers and learn about the cultural significance and craftmanship behind Creek textiles.

Creek Hunting Camp Exhibit: Join Guide Farris Powell for a comprehensive overview of Creek hunting practices, tools and traditions.

The Dauphin Island Native American Experience is June 15, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Historic Fort Gaines, 51 Bienville Boulevard, Dauphin Island. Admission for the event is $13 for adults, $7 for children and children four and under are free.

If you are in Orange Beach or Gulf Shores, hop on the Mobile Bay Ferry for a unique trip to Dauphin Island.

To learn more about the event or to purchase your tickets in advance to avoid the long lines, visit www.dauphinislandarts.org.