Lake Superior Manoomin Cultural and Ecosystem Characterization Study

Manoomin (wild rice) is integral to the culture, livelihood, and identity of the Anishinaabe within Canada and the United States. Manoomin grows only in the clean waters of the Gichi-manidoo gitigaan (The Great Spirits Garden). The arrival of the Anishinaabe to the Great Lakes Basin was in fulfillment of the prophecy that guided their migration from the Atlantic Northeast westward toward the Great Lakes to where “food grows on the water.” In addition to the vital role of Manoomin in the lives of the Anishinaabe, it is also recognized as being ecologically important. In this session you will learn about this project to describe the importance of Manoomin to help foster community stewardship and education; and to inform Manoomin management, protection, and policy in the Lake Superior Basin and throughout the Great Lakes.