Drawing on traditional ecological knowledge as a guide for Great Lakes Wild Rice Research

Session: Connecting Management Needs and Science Information (2)

Jeffrey Schaeffer, USGS Great Lakes Science Center, [email protected]

Abstract

Wild rice (Manoomin) is sacred to Great Lakes tribes and First Nations; it is a traditional food, has deep spiritual and cultural value, and supports fish and wildlife populations valued by both tribes and non-tribal stakeholders. But, many populations have been stressed or extirpated. In some cases, stressors are apparent, but for many populations the reasons are not clear and there are many unanswered questions.  Therefore, research is vital to support effective conservation and restoration. But what are the research priorities, and how should they be established?   A new collaborative effort called the Michigan Wild Rice Initiative (MWRI) brings together specialists and managers from all 12 federally-recognized tribes, multiple state departments and federal agencies, academia, and others to share information, coordinate approaches, and elevate awareness about wild rice.  Through the MWRI, traditional knowledge, concerns, and values are being shared between tribes and non-tribal researchers and managers.  Though individual perspectives varied, a series of common themes arose that would benefit from coordinated, state- or region-wide research. This core research is vital to ensure sound implementation strategies and long-term success. Our presentation will discuss the process of research topic co-development, trust building and development of  shared knowledge overview of research topic findings; and next steps.