The annual emergence of manoomin/mnomen (wild rice) plays profound roles in freshwater ecosystems, Anishinaabe/Neshnabé food systems, and understandings of food sovereignty. Mnomen holds cultural and spiritual significance to the Ojibwe, Ottawa, and Potawatomi of the Great Lakes region. Native nations and their citizens seek to protect the presence of mnomen and continue intergenerational harvesting practices. Where relationships between the Neshnabék and mnomen have been interrupted due to imposed environmental changes, Neshnabé people are
working to restore mnomen and its habitat. Join us for a conversation with distinguished experts and community members on the intersection of sustainable foodways, ecological restoration initiatives, traditional ecological knowledge, environmental stewardship, and culinary heritage.

Panelists:
Roger LaBine (Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa)
Kara Wilson (Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians)
Cusi Ballew (Pokagon Band of Potawatomi/Pokégnek Bodéwadmik)
Barb Barton

Moderator:
Elan Pochedley (Citizen Potawatomi Nation), 1855 Professor in the Department of Religious Studies