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Kawe Gidaa-naanaagadawendaamin Manoomin

Launched in January 2018, Kawe Gidaa-naanaagadawendaamin Manoomin (First We Must Consider Manoomin/Psin) is a collaboration among tribes, intertribal treaty organizations, and University of Minnesota faculty, staff, and students, that prioritizes tribal views on the cultural significance and ecology of Manoomin / Psiη (Wild Rice), and the policies related to it.

Manoomin/psiη (wild rice) is a sacred plant for Native peoples throughout the Great Lakes region. Unfortunately, Manoomin has been declining due to multiple environmental stressors. Native people who have lived with manoomin / psiη for generations understand this intimately, but tribal views, concerns, and treaty rights have not been adequately incorporated into natural resources policies. Protecting tribal resource sovereignty demands a culturally responsible, whole ecosystem approach to environmental stewardship.

(photo: Summer intern from University of Wisconsin-Osh Kosh, Trinaty Calwell, collecting water samples.)