Events

The Keweenaw Wild Ones are pleased to host a Zoom webinar by Kathleen Smith, "Manoomin (Wild Rice) Stewardship," at 6 p.m. Monday, March 28. The talk is free. To register, click here. Smith is the Gaa ganawendang Manoomin, or "She who takes care of the wild rice," a newly created position within the Division of Biological Services of the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission (GLIFWC). In her half-hour talk, she will give an overview of GLIFWC and discuss the cultural significance and ecology of wild rice, as well as how it is monitored and harvested. Smith will also speak on outreach education programs, including the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community rice camp, which anyone can attend. Wild rice is of great cultural significance to its member tribes, and GLIFWC works to ensure the preservation and enhancement of wild rice in ceded territory lakes. Smith works with 11 member tribes in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota,  implementing the GLIFWC Ceded Territory Manoomin Stewardship Plan. She provides research, education, and outreach services to partners and works with tribal members to ensure treaty rights are exercised. Top photo: A member of the Leech Lake Band of the Ojibwe Tribe harvests rice on Mud Lake, September 2015. USACE photo by George Stringham