Rory D. Griffin, M.S.

USEPA Traditional Ecological Knowledge Workshop Syracuse, NY, June 18th, 2013

Presentation outline:

• Background to IK • Objectives • Methods • Case studies • Next Steps • Conclusion • Questions

Eagle Soaring (Griffin, 2007)

Purpose: To help interpret Indigenous Knowledge for potential application in natural resource management at state and local levels on non-tribal lands. To cultivate general public awareness in sustainability through indigenous knowledge-based management practices.

Indigenous Knowledge (IK): experiences highlighting

philosophies, beliefs, and educational processes of communities of indigenous people, rooted in traditional practices with lived experiences passed down through generations.

Public Law 280 (PL 280): Gave jurisdiction (1953) over criminal offenses involving American Indians in Indian Country to certain States and allowed other States to assume jurisdiction.

11 federally recognized Indian tribes within WI’s borders

Menominee Nation is only federally protected tribe (no state influence) in WI

Other WI-based Reservations come under PL280

Featuring specific examples from Native American cultural

traditions, describe how IK informs and integrates natural resource management practices within tribal communities.

Develop case studies of IK-based natural resource management practices in three Native American Tribal communities—Bad River band of the Lake Superior Ojibwa, Menominee Tribe of Wisconsin, and the Oneida Tribe of Wisconsin.

Develop educational materials on IK for sustainable approaches to natural resource management, targeting local and state natural resource managers and general public.

Cluster analyses featuring 5 thematic areas developed to help understand which IK-based values deemed most important: Ecological integrity Economic viability Social justice Governmental interactions Cultural preservation

After reviewing all 51 interviews, specific key words selected to represent thematic areas from each interview

Word examples: traditional, environment(s), government(s), culture, ceremony, ritual(s) & other key words representing thematic areas Each key word put into qualitative formula for analysis with NVivo computer software

Thematic Cluster of Sustainability Total of # keywords using NVivo per thematic cluster

Cultural Preservation 54

Ecological Integrity 55

Economic Viability 53

Governmental Interactions 50

Social Justice 50

Grand Total keyword count of all 5 clusters 262

65,730 acres, semi-rural Reservation

Sustainable organic farming

Three Sister’s philosophy

The Oneida have a sustainable farm that is called Tsyunhehkw^ (Loosely translated as ‘Life Sustenance’). This farm has incorporated the Oneida creation story into its mission with planting white corn and tobacco that is distributed to the community.

Restoration of Duck Creek through removing dams, planting

buffers (trees, grasses), maintaining natural riparian corridors, and manure management to reduce nonpoint pollution and also

Preserve historical sites within the boundaries of the reservation

and does not disturb these areas in order to preserve resources, medicine(s) for future generations. (wetlands, forest areas, and grasslands).

25%

22%21%

21%

11%

Oneida NationIndigenous Knowledge Results

Cultural Preservation

Governmental InteractionsSocial Justice

Ecological Integrity

Economic Viability

“I think our agriculture is a big part of our recovery and rebuilding of our community and our Indian nation in our clans and our structures. Agriculture...organic foods... we have crops of buffalo, traditional diet being brought back into our tribal school, so the kids are getting that.” (Interviewee 4)

“We have a cultural group here on the Reservation that looks at

language and interprets the language to meet the environmental development. Everything that we do here, or a lot of what we do here, is culturally related.” (Interviewee 1)

Educational fact sheet featuring Oneida lessons learned

The Oneida are renowned for their Three Sisters (corn, beans, and squash) agricultural practice. This fact sheet features examples of Oneida IK approaches to natural resource management. Indigenous Knowledge–based natural resource management is rooted in personal observations and experiences passed down through generations. This respect for Mother Earth sustains the Oneida people and all other people. For respectful peace of mind for anyone to enjoy in a natural setting: • Place a pinch of tobacco down for the spirits and Mother Earth. • Acknowledge the environment and respect the gifts given to us. • Talk and learn nature’s way from elders.

Oneida Indigenous Knowledge

for Sustainable

Natural Resource Management

Following nature’s pathway to a sustainable future…

Oneida Reservation

The magnificent Oneida Buffalo herd consists of about 100 head, which are grass fed with hay and grain supplements on rotating free-range paddocks. This sustainable buffalo management results in healthy animals and highly nutritious food for the Oneida people. Buffalo are one of the main locally grown protein sources available to the Oneida.

Caring for the signature Oneida crop—white corn—is a key cultural event every autumn enjoyed by tribal members and non-tribal guests. White corn represents milk from Mother Earth and Her nurturing care of the Oneida. In return, the Oneida people have great respect and appreciation in planting and harvesting white corn as the essence of their relationship with Mother Earth.

After the long winter, Oneida conduct an annual harvest of maple sugar from the trees every spring with the renewed promise of nature’s provision. The maple is a gift from the Creator, for which tribal members are thankful as reflected in traditions of the Oneida. This practice is being taught to the children and the community to carry on this indigenous knowledge practice for generations to come.

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Oneida Buffalo Farm

White Corn Harvesting

Source: Oneida Nation website, 2009.

Maple Sugar

Oneida Tribal School

Annual Pow Wows

The Oneida Tribal School, designed in the shape of a turtle, is operated with BIA grant funds to teach Oneida culture to the children. Here the children learn their language, culture, and how to think ‘Oneida’. Learning about traditional medicinal plants, herbs and foods, a special activity is planting and caring for a Three Sisters garden (corn, beans, squash} at the Tribal School including a seed dance celebration. Renewable energy, energy conservation, and use of new biking and walking paths for healthy lifestyles are also encouraged.

The Oneida Nation holds an annual Fourth of July Pow Wow that brings the community and outside members to the Reservation for celebrating the family unit and the harvests that occur during the summer (fishing, plant gathering, and some medicines). Other Pow Wows are held in Spring, Fall, and Winter seasons.

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Community is a valuable resource for the Oneida people, and community strength is re-affirmed during tribal celebrations and social events. Indigenous knowledge is passed down from one generation to the next, and the voices of the Oneida community are welcomed by tribal leaders to inform decisions and sustainability.

Source: Oneida Nation website, 2009.

• 124,234 acres

• Wild ricing

• Fishing & hunting

Wild ricing

Hunting (on/off reservation)

Gathering (plants)

Spear fishing, Fish hatchery

Wildlife Section addresses lands & waters within territory ceded by treaties from 1836-1854 GLIFWC (establ. 1984) primary focus working with 6 Ojibwe tribes to maintain ceded lands culturally for future generations

“We need to share ideas with different bands and tribes to see what is going on. I know there are a lot of good things being done, but we need to share what we have with each other.” (Interviewee 1)

“The Tribe is the main factor in creating new natural resources using the culture traditions. GLIFWC is the main body that works with the tribe and some BIA jurisdiction.” (Interviewee 6)

Source: Native Wisconsin Official Guide, 2003.

Early in June the bark of the birch tree loosens and is easily removed. The bark is used for basket making, canoes, and other sustainable products used for gathering and harvesting plants for medicine and food.

The autumn is when manoomin (wild rice) is harvested on and off the Bad River Reservation. Wild rice management and restoration has always been a priority for Ojibwe tribes because manoomin is such a culturally important food to the Ojibwe people. Management activities to enhance wild rice abundance include re-seeding, assessment efforts, and participation in the State/Tribal Wild Rice Committee.

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Birch Bark Gathering

Wild Rice Harvesting

The Bad River Ojibwe continue to use their indigenous knowledge to sustain themselves through the practice of net fishing. They operate a fish hatchery that produces walleye and other species sustainably with set release and harvesting quotas. Working closely with the Wisconsin DNR, Bad River fisheries program is renowned for effective management principles and holistic approach to a healthy environment.

Ziigwan (spring) is a busy time of the year for Bad River Ojibwe who engage in cultural spear fishing that has been an integral activity of their people since the beginning of time. Nourishing sustenance from the protein-rich fish and spiritual strength through connection to Mother Earth with respect and thanks for the fish harvest characterize harmony sought by the Bad River people. Through the wise decisions of their leaders and excellent stewardship of their people, the Bad River Ojibwe and all Ojibwe continue their indigenous fishing practices.

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Fish Management

Spear Fishing

The current hunting and trapping practices are continued through the next generation of Ojibwe people. Bad River tribal members sustain themselves through using indigenous knowledge of hunting, trapping, fishing, and gathering passed down from the parents that learned from their parents.

Beaver Hunting

Sources: Circle of Flight Bizhibayaash: Tribal Wetland & Waterfowl Enhancement Initiative (2008); Native Wisconsin Official Guide to Native American Communities in Wisconsin: Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council (2003).

235,523 acres

150+ years of exemplary sustainable forest management

Forest management, forest development, roads, conservation

Wild ricing

Menominee Reservation

Chief Oshkosh philosophies on clear-cutting practices led to 150+ years of successful forest management.

Culture camps, maple sugar camps & language camps to learn and preserve IK for next generations of Menominee.

Fire management to fight invasive species & restore natural

habitats traditionally used for gathering & hunting.

Menominee Historical Preservation Dept.

Restoration Projects using Fire Management

“The Creator gave us our commandants and our seven gifts: tobacco, maple trees, wild rice, berries, medicine from the plants, the animals that depends on the protection of the forest, and our spirits of the water.” (Interviewee 2)

“Well, the forestry is now using a method on how to select

certain tress and which cut method to use. Also the forest is being protected by the historical preservation department and not allowing cuts near cultural sites, or near the rivers because of erosion.” (Interviewee, 6)

25%

24%22%

19%

10%

Menominee NationIndigenous Knowledge Results

Cultural Preservation

Governmental Interactions

Ecological Integrity

Social Justice

Economic Viability

Following nature’s pathway to a sustainable future…..

Educational fact sheet featuring Menominee lessons learned

Menominees are renowned for excellent forest management on their ancestral lands. This fact sheet features examples of Menominee IK approaches to natural resource management. Indigenous Knowledge–based natural resource management is rooted from personal observations and experiences passed down through generations. This respect for Mother Earth sustains the Menominee people and all other people. Menominees are proud that they have lived forever in their home land and will always be here. For respectful peace of mind for anyone to enjoy in a natural setting: • Place a pinch of tobacco down for the spirits and Mother Earth. • Acknowledge the environment and respect the gifts given to us. • Talk and learn nature’s way from elders.

Menominee Reservation

Maple Sugar Production

Maple sugar was one of the gifts from the Creator. To this day maple sugar production is a ‘hands-on’ spring ritual taught on the Reservation via oral traditions in perpetuity. Through ‘sugar camps’ maple trees help strengthen the sense of community and provide income for families who participate in this indigenous knowledge practice for healthy food and medicine from the forests.

Fire Management

Fire has been an important forest management tool of the Menominee since the origin of the Creation stories. Fire helps reduce invasive species and increase biodiversity. Prescribed burns are used to encourage specific plants and ecosystems that sustain wildlife and meet needs of the Menominee people.

Chief Oshkosh

Sustainable Forest Management

Chief Oshkosh articulated his concept of sustained yield forestry to guide the Menominee in their management of Reservation lands as follows: ‘Start with the rising sun and work toward the setting sun, but take only the mature trees, the sick trees, and the trees that have fallen. When you reach the end of the Reservation, turn and cut from the setting sun to the rising sun and the trees will last forever.’ Source: Menominee IRMP, 2007.

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Fish Management

Celebrations of Harvest

Wild Rice Harvesting

The Menominee celebrate changing seasons with Pow Wows to give thanks and re-affirm community. Some of the celebrations include the Sturgeon Feast where they honor the spirits of the Wolf River, and other ceremonial services follow the moon and harvest seasons honoring the spirits and Mother Earth. In the fall it is time to celebrate the veterans and honor the elders.

The Menominee people are known as ‘Omaeqnomenewak’ (People of the Wild Rice), who comprise a strong, healthy, and proud nation since the beginning of time in the Great Lakes region. Annual wild ricing rituals help sustain Menominee people and the rich cultural heritage that values wisdom of elders and ancestors; joy, hope and innocence of children; and nurturing of Mother Earth. Menominees strive to promote their tribal language, tradition, history and culture. Source : Menominee Strategic Plan, 2007.

The Menominee celebrate the annual sturgeon spawning migration. It is a time of renewal and illustrates that the fish are performing their duties to reproduce and to provide food for other beings, including people. The spring sturgeon spawning run is a sacred time for the Menominee. It relates to the process by which the Creator has gifted each species with a purpose. We must learn what that purpose is with respect and thanks to the Creator for providing it.

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“It is a very hard struggle to bring youth to understand culture activities because of the fast paced society we live in with video games and the computers.” (Interviewee 8, Bad River Ojibwe)

“In the woods though there is a decrease in the habitats of animals because you do not see them anymore. For example, raccoons, badgers, foxes, wolves, and even the bears are disappearing because of the current clear-cutting practices implemented by the Mill.” (Interviewee 5, Menominee)

“There is concern about how the State and private land owners are managing the non-Indian lands because their management practices are affecting lands near and adjacent to the Reservation boundaries.” (Interviewee 2 and 3, Oneida)

Thematic clusters reflect personal and cultural values/beliefs of

what is important to interviewees Any natural resource management practices, techniques or

management tools used by each tribe stem from and reflect their basic belief system, spirituality, and culture

Vine Deloria, Jr.’s call to adopt a ‘tribal antidote to the

artificial universe’ holds great promise for mainstreaming indigenous knowledge and moving dominant society towards positive, ‘can-do sustainability’

Incorporate IK lessons learned from GLIFWIC programs into model for mainstreaming IK practices to all regions of United States.

Explore GEM partnership(s) with interested tribes in WI & throughout Indian Country to further develop IK-based educational materials and demos.

Collaborate with Tribal governments to plan &

implement co-management practices into workable integrated management system for sustainability.

In this thesis research, it is evident that traditional knowledge is

alive, reinforced, and used actively on the Wisconsin-based American Indian reservations featured in the three case studies. The culture, philosophy, and oral traditions, of creation and life have been incorporated into tribal members daily activities as well as into natural resource management practices.

IK may serve as a valuable resource of lessons learned for

sustainability that indigenous people have used for generations and still use today to survive with the challenges expressed in the interview responses.

MS Thesis Committee Members Victor Phillips, Chair Mike Demchik Mai Phillips Wes Halverson Ron Tschida- ex officio

External member William Koonz- Mentor

Tribes and Organizations Menominee Nation of Wisconsin (IRMP) Menominee Language & Culture

Commission Menominee Forestry Department Menominee Historical Preservation Oneida Nation of Wisconsin Oneida Environmental and Conservation Bad River Band of Lake Superior Tribe of

Ojibwa Nation Bad River Conservation Department Bureau of Indian Affairs GLIFWC USDA/NRCS

Special thanks to the Global Environmental Management Education Center (GEM) at UWSP for providing a graduate research assistantship and field support via GEM grant from USDA/CSREES 2007-2009