The Manomin Project

Manomin (Wild Rice) harvesting is a multi-step process. These photographs by Jonathan Ferrier provide a look into the process. 🌾🌾

UPDATE: This post has been edited to improve accuracy.

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Did you know that the Indigenous communities in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Lowlands region have long practiced the remarkable agricultural tradition of the "Three Sisters"? This sustainable farming method involves planting corn, beans, and squash together in harmony.

Each crop plays a vital role in this dynamic system. The tall cornstalks provide a natural trellis for the climbing beans, which, in turn, enrich the soil by fixing nitrogen. The broad leaves of the squash plants create a living mulch that helps suppress weeds, retain moisture, and maintain soil temperature.

This interdependence among the "Three Sisters" is a beautiful example of companion planting, where each plant supports and benefits the others. Together, they create a balanced ecosystem that maximizes productivity and minimizes environmental impact.

Even today, many Indigenous communities continue to honour and practice the tradition of the "Three Sisters." This sustainable farming approach showcases the wisdom of Indigenous knowledge, demonstrating the profound connection between people, plants, and the land.
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Discover the Health Benefits of Manomin (Wild Rice)! 🌾✨

🌱 Nutritional Powerhouse: Manomin is packed with essential nutrients, including fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. It promotes healthy digestion, supports muscle growth, and provides sustained energy throughout the day.

💪 Boosts Immunity: Rich in antioxidants, Manomin strengthens the immune system, helping the body fight off harmful pathogens. It also contains phenolic compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, supporting overall wellness.

🧠 Enhances Brain Function: Manomin contains high levels of B vitamins and minerals like magnesium and phosphorus, which play a vital role in brain health. Consuming Manomin regularly can enhance cognitive function, improve memory, and support overall mental well-being.

💚 Heart-Healthy: With its low-fat content and cholesterol-free nature, Manomin promotes cardiovascular health. It is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, which help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

🥗 Versatile and Delicious: Incorporate Manomin into your meals for a nutritious and flavourful twist. Enjoy it in soups, salads, stir-fries, or as a side dish.

Embrace the health benefits of Manomin and savour its deliciousness as a wholesome addition to your diet! 🌾🌿
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The Manomin Project went international! 🌎 In June, members of our team attended the 6th International EcoSummit Congress in Gold Coast, Australia!

Ph.D. candidate Samantha Mehltretter and Dr. Andrea Bradford shared their expertise through a presentation and two posters, delving into historical Manomin conditions and future restoration. By weaving together scientific and Indigenous knowledge, they offered a meaningful, respectful, and effective approach to studying Winnipeg River Manomin.

We're proud of the valuable contributions Samantha and Andrea made at the conference, sharing their years of expertise. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to bridge the gap between scientific and Indigenous knowledge. 🤝📚
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Exciting News! We are thrilled to announce the upcoming release of "Mnoomin maan’gowing, The Gift of Mnoomin"! 🌾✨ This beautiful story, written by Brittany Luby, illustrated by Joshua Mangeshig Pawis Steckley, and translated by Mary Ann Corbiere, will be published by Groundwood Books on October 3, 2023, in print and e-book formats.

"Mnoomin maan’gowing" explores the significance of Mnoomin and its profound relationships with all of Creation. 🌍 This captivating book invites readers of all ages to discover the importance of Mnoomin and learn about Anishinaabe's deep-rooted connections to the natural world.

To further enhance the learning experience, a guide has been created by Rosella Fisher to accompany the book for classroom settings, providing educators with valuable resources to engage students in discussions about Mnoomin and Indigenous traditions.

Stay tuned for more updates, and make sure to mark your calendars for October 3rd 📚✨
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Happy National Indigenous Peoples Day! 🌿 Today, we come together to honour and celebrate the diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of Indigenous peoples across Canada. It's a day to embrace the richness of Indigenous traditions and deepen our understanding.

Let's take this opportunity to learn from Indigenous voices, stories, and knowledge and explore Indigenous art, literature, and music. Engage in respectful conversations, amplify Indigenous voices, and support Indigenous-led initiatives in your community.

National Indigenous Peoples Day is a reminder of our collective responsibility to foster reconciliation, understanding, and respect. By acknowledging the past, we can create a more inclusive and equitable future.

So, on this special day, let's learn, appreciate, and take action. Together, we can build bridges of understanding and celebrate the invaluable contributions of Indigenous peoples 🧡
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Introducing Autumn Perry! 🌿 Autumn joined the Manomin Project earlier this year as a Research Assistant, bringing a wealth of knowledge and passion to our team. With a Bachelor's degree in Anthropology and History from the University of Guelph, Autumn is now pursuing her Master's degree in Public Issues Anthropology with a specialization in One Health.

Autumn's research focuses on cultural responses to environmental change, mainly focusing on resource sustainability. Through the lens of One Health, she explores the interconnectedness of the environment, animals, and humans, seeking to understand the complex relationships and their impacts on culture and foodways.

As a dedicated Research Assistant, Autumn plays a vital role in transcribing historical documents, contributing to preserving and disseminating knowledge about Anishinaabe's foodways and traditions. Her expertise and commitment greatly enhance our work at the Manomin Project.

We are thrilled to have Autumn on our team, and we look forward to the valuable insights and contributions she will bring to our ongoing projects! 🌱
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In the spirit of Indigenous History Month, we invite you to ignite our curiosity and deepen your understanding of Indigenous cultures.

🔍 Explore Indigenous Authors: Discover compelling works by Indigenous authors like Richard Wagamese, Lee Maracle, and Eden Robinson. Their stories are windows into diverse perspectives and offer profound insights into Indigenous experiences. 📖🌿

🎨 Discover Indigenous Art: Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Indigenous art. Explore paintings, sculptures, and traditional crafts that celebrate ancestral traditions and convey powerful narratives. Visit local galleries or explore online exhibits to support Indigenous artists. 🖌️🌟

💬 Engage in Dialogue: Join conversations that amplify Indigenous voices. Participate in community events, workshops, and panel discussions to learn directly from Indigenous leaders, activists, and scholars. Together, let's foster understanding, respect, and collaboration. ❤️🌱

🌍 Support Indigenous Businesses: By consciously choosing to support Indigenous-owned businesses and initiatives, we contribute to economic empowerment and cultural preservation. From Indigenous fashion designers to sustainable food producers, let's celebrate their contributions and uplift their endeavours. 🛍️🌿

Share your journey using and . This Indigenous History Month, let's commit to learning, appreciating, and taking action.

On this International Women's Day, The Manomin Project celebrates the amazing contributions of women everywhere. We recognize the power of collaboration and knowledge sharing, and we are grateful for the many women who have helped us in our work towards crop restoration, cultural revitalization, and treaty living. Today, we celebrate all women - past, present, and future - who have made and will continue to make a positive impact in their communities and the world. Happy International Women's Day!
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Join us in celebrating the rich culture & traditions of Indigenous communities! Today, we're shining a spotlight on Curve Lake First Nation and their Manomin & Indigenous Food Sovereignty Celebration. During this celebration, people come together to eat, plant, gather, and preserve traditional foodways while supporting cultural revitalization. It is amazing to see this knowledge being passed on to future generations! 🌾🍲🌿

Painting by: Chief Lady Bird
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"The traditional ecological knowledge of Indigenous harvesters is rich in prescriptions for sustainability. They are found in Native science and philosophy, in lifeways and practices, but most of all in stories, the ones that are told to restore balance, to locate ourselves once again in the circle.” – Robin Wall Kimmerer
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