What: The goal of this symposium is to highlight the significance and the benefits that Ma’iingan brings to the landscape and the challenges that Ma’iingan is facing. This will be done through Anishinaabe teachings, scientific research, and through discussions. We want to fuse traditional ecological knowledge and western science, with strong components of both.
Where: Bad River will be hosting the Symposium. We are hoping that this can become an annual symposium and can discuss future locations at future planning meetings.
Who: The planning committee should consist of Tribal wildlife and forestry personnel (we want to also have a strong habitat component as well), treaty authority professionals, tribal historic preservation officers, tribal elders, education programs, and anyone else that would like to assist in the planning of this Symposium. The symposium will be open for all to attend.
When: The exact time will be discussed at the first planning meeting. We are looking at next winter when there is snow on the ground.
Why: Ma’iingan is a brother to the Anishinaabeg and their paths are intertwined. There is a lot of negative media and misconceptions surrounding Ma’iingan and this symposium is meant to highlight the positives and also the cultural significance of Ma’iingan. Bad River was awarded some funding to help assist with the planning and hosting of the symposium.
As mentioned, this is a call out for a planning committee. You can reply to this email or call me if you are interested in being apart of the planning efforts or are interested in learning more. I plan on having the initial planning meeting the first week of February and will only invite those that indicate interest in being on the committee. After the initial planning meeting we will develop save-the-dates and I will start a distribution list for people wanting to attend and/or present at the Symposium.
For more information, contact: Lacey Hill Kastern, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
