Tribal nations lead Michigan wild rice revival efforts

Tribal nations in Michigan are partnering with the state to restore wild rice, known as manoomin, to lakes and streams across the region, according to MLive. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community have worked together for the past decade to sow thousands of pounds of wild rice seed. The effort has since expanded to include other tribal partners, including the Bay Mills Indian Community and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa.

Bay Mills fisheries biologist Frank Zomer said tribal communities are sourcing seeds and determining where restoration projects should take place. Despite federal funding cuts earlier this year, state and tribal officials continue their collaboration through the Michigan Wild Rice Initiative, which aims to protect manoomin and raise awareness of its ecological and cultural importance.