Roger LaBine is an enrolled member of the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Roger is a Water Resource Technician in the tribes Environmental Department, one of his responsibilities is Manoomin Restoration to the tribes ceded territory in addition to his water quality monitoring. He was inspired by his mentor and uncle who had a vision of Manoomin returning to the traditional lands and has over 35 years of experience. He enjoys visiting tribal communities,
schools, colleges, and conducts Wild Rice Camps to share the cultural, spiritual, ceremonial, and traditional importance of Manoomin. Roger has personal goals when it comes to conservation, protection, restoration, and management of the limited resource in Michigan for present and future generations.

TSN Conference 2026

January 22nd, 2026 (Thursday) // 3:05 pm – 4:05 pm // Room 105 // Life Ways of Great Lakes Anishinabeg: Sustainable Land Management for Manoomin and Maple Sugar // We will take a look at how traditional Anishinabeg preparations for Manoomin and Maple Sugar seasons yield sustainable land management practices.