Manoomin in the Obtawaing Biosphere Region
Manoomin, or wild rice, is a cultural cornerstone of Aniishnabe life. Despite their importance, Manoomin are declining significantly in the great lakes region due to habitat degradation by logging and industrial shipping. In collaboration with the 12 tribes of Michigan and the US government, and the Michigan Department of the Great Lakes, hundreds of thousands of dollars have been put forth to preserve and promote this culturally important native species.
To learn more, please read Elyse Wild’s article “SHARED PRIORITY: State-tribal initiative aims to restore Michigan’s wild rice” which highlights the history of Manoomin and the current efforts to save it.
Anishinaabek called wild rice “manoomin.” Photo Credit: Tribal Business News, Elyse Wild