Students from Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College and others got an in-depth look at wild rice and how to harvest it Saturday at the annual Manoomin demonstration camp at Leeman Lake.
The lessons learned included "how to sustainably harvest, or knock, the rice without breaking the stems to drying, parching, and winnowing the rice to get the final product that ends up at our dining room table," said Courtney Kowalczak, director of the Environmental Institute at the college. "Each step is a process that is time-consuming but ensures that we are appreciating the gift of the rice and taking care of this important resource."
The camp was open to anyone interested in learning about wild rice. Participants included Gidakiimanaaniwigamig youth campers and their families, brought by Ron Willis. Gidakiimanaaniwigamig camps are designed for young people to "study the earth while reconnecting with friends and mentors" with hands-on projects.
Ricing participants learned respect for the rice and how to harvest sustainably, from Fond du Lac Museum director Jeff Savage and band elder Sam Greensky. Savage also brought out a birch bark canoe made by community members using traditional methods.
Phil Savage from 13 Moons hosted a pole and knocker making demonstration and provided food for everyone at the camp.
The annual event was hosted by the 13 Moons Tribal College Extension Program, 1854 Treaty Authority, and the FDLTCC's Gidakiimanaaniwigamig program.