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.
Lake Superior Manoomin Cultural and Ecosystem Characterization Study
Presenters
Roger LaBine
Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
Roger LaBine is an enrolled member of the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Roger is a water resource technician in the tribe’s environmental department, with responsibilities including Manoomin restoration for the tribe’s ceded territory and 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 38 years of experience. Roger is the current tribal delegate on the Michigan Wild Rice Initiative, and he co-chairs the Native Wild Rice Coalition. He was the recipient of the 2019 Michigan Heritage Award presented by the Michigan State University Museum's Michigan Traditional Arts Program in statewide partnership with the Michigan Council for the Arts & Cultural Affairs and the State of Michigan. He enjoys visiting tribal communities, schools, and colleges, and conducts wild rice camps to share the cultural, spiritual, ceremonial, and traditional importance of Manoomin. His personal goals focus on conservation, protection, restoration, and management of the limited resources in Michigan for present and future generations.
Heather Hosterman
ABT Associates
ABT Associates
Environmental economist and policy analyst with over ten years of domestic and international experience in climate change, ecosystem services, and natural resource management. Combines project management with research and analysis to provide technical expertise and deliver high quality work products to federal, state and tribal agencies as well as foundations, universities and nonprofits. Experience communicating complex, technical information to a wide range of audiences.