Chairman

May 2025 Chairman's Report

Aaniin Boozhoo Gaa-waabaabiganikaag
Niminwendam Waabaminaan!
Zaagibagaa-Giizis!
Aaniish inaa akawe ninga-gaagiizomaag aadi- zookaanag.
Weweni-sago-na
Greetings White Earth Nation I am Happy to See You!
It is already May!
Everyone Be Safe.
Our Ojibwe people are among the largest groups of Native or First Nations people in North America. We live in the cold climates of Canada and the Great Lakes area of the United States, the second largest tribal nation in the US second to the Dine’ people or
Navajo people.

Our Anishinaabe trickster Nana*****- is the first part of his name as we can’t mention his whole name of our most famous teacher of all, as it is only until Mother Earth is blanketed by snow we can say his name out loud. Ojibwe way he considered the great uncle of the Ojibwe people. He is part man, part manido (spirit) and so is capable of silly and mischie-
vous as well as great deeds. This is an excerpt of the larger story of when Nana- you know who- was a boy and the earth was new, his grandmother, Nookomis, made him some paints as in our Ojibwe traditions it was the customary way to let the grandparents raise the children so they in turn would get to know all of the teachings as the parents also got.

So ol’ Grandmother Moon mixed dyes out of moonlight and shadows, snowflakes and sand. She made silky blues from night and soft greens from reindeer moss. She squeezed the sparkle out of shooting stars. Then she put all the colors into pots and put the pots into a pouch for her grandson. “Make beauty, Nana*****” she said. “Paint the leaves today.” (Story retold by Margi Preus).

With the Manoomin harvest season drawing to a close, our hearts are full as we witness our people united in harvesting this sacred plant, a gift from the Creator. Families and community members have come together to honor this tradition, celebrating and sus-
taining our cultural heritage. Harvesting Manoomin is an ancestral practice passed down through generations. The tools and methods we use are immersed in respect for the plant, ensuring that we leave seeds for future harvests and maintain a sustainable approach.

The White Earth Natural Resources (WENR) Parks and Recreation Department, Food Sovereignty program, and Cultural program have been pivotal in educating the community on sustainable harvesting practices. Over the past few months, they have diligently shared their knowledge, reinforcing the importance of this practice in our culture.

A notable initiative by WENR Parks and Rec is the mobile ricing demonstration display. This interactive setup allows participants to sit in a canoe and use knockers on Big Bluestem grass, simulating the actual harvesting process. Staff and the Cultural Coordinator guide each individual, teaching them the proper techniques while also taking groups out into the rice beds for hands-on learning. These efforts have involved local schools, White Earth Tribal and Community College (WETCC), and the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge.

The WENR Food Sovereignty program has prioritized accessibility to Manoomin harvesting. Our program coordinator has led classes on crafting push poles and knockers, the essential tools needed for the harvest. Collaborative efforts with local schools, WETCC, and the Naytahwaush Community Council have bolstered these initiatives. Other efforts include:
• The purchase of six canoes for day use by tribal members, ensuring everyone can partake in this sacred tradition.
• The purchase of four docks to compliment the improvements made to the four landings on Lower Rice Lake.

2025 Manoomin Harvest Numbers
The 2025 Manoomin harvest season has been a remarkable year for our community. White Earth purchased a total of 320,699 pounds of Manoomin from ricers, marking this the largest year for rice purchasing in our history. The buying season began on Aug. 22
and concluded after 32 days on Sept. 22. Ricers reported substantial yields from Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, and on and off Reservation lakes. Lower Rice Lake opened on Sept. 10, with over 200 teams participating. Throughout the season, the finishing rates remained consistent, reflecting the dedication and effort of all involved.

This year, White Earth compensated ricers with a total payout of $1,747,299. WENR purchased 176,895 pounds of rice at $5 per pound, amounting to $884,475, and 143,804 pounds at $6 per pound, totaling $862,824. These figures not only highlight the
economic significance of the Manoomin harvest but also underscore the importance of making sure this valuable food source is accessible to our tribal membership.

The White Earth leadership extends a heartfelt miigwech to our Wild Rice Committee, composed of lifelong ricers whose profound connection to Manoomin is rooted in generations of knowledge. Their invaluable insights into the historical and con-
temporary challenges facing Manoomin ensure a successful and sustainable harvest for the tribal community. Working quietly behind the scenes, they uphold our traditions and protect this sacred resource for future generations.

It is important to remember that Manoomin is more than just a plant; it is a sacred part of our identity. Preserving our traditional methods of harvest are vital to making sure this precious gift endures for future generations. Through education, collaboration, and respect for our traditions, we are safeguarding a cornerstone of our culture, ensuring that the legacy of Manoomin continues to thrive for years to come.

Ganawenimidizog
Chi-miigwech bizindawiyeg miinawaa anooj
ninda-gikinoo’amaadiwin,
Gigawaabamininim naagaj.
Take it easy.
Thank you for listening to me and learning together.
See you all later.
Chairman Michael Fairbanks