Progress 09/01/12 to 08/31/13
Outputs
Target Audience: The 13 Moons program serves the Fond du Lac Reservation as well as the greater community. All programming is designed to be multi-generational with the intent of bringing youth and elders together. The program seeks to connect Fond du Lac band members and the surrounding community to regional natural resources, social knowledge networks, and Ojibwe culture. Currently the 13 Moons program collaborates with Fond du Lac Reservation Programs including the Brookston Community Center, Fond du Lac Ojibwe School and Headstart Program, Fond du Lac Age to Age program, Fond du Lac Band Resources Management, and the Bimaaji’idiwin Garden Program, Fond du Lac Newspaper, Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College including the St Louis River Watch Program, University of Minnesota- Extension including U of Minnesota Master Naturalist Program and U of Minnesota Master Gardening Program and Junior Master Gardening Program, Great Lake Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, NRCS Regional Tribal Conservation Advisory Council, Intertribal Agriculture Council Mobile Farmer’s Market and the Native American student science camp Manoomin. Fond du Lac Reservation Programs: Brookston Community Center—Junior Master Gardening Class Fond du Lac Ojibwe School—Snowsnakes Workshop and Taking Care of Things Gathering Fond du Lac Headstart Program—Drum Group for Cap Powwow and Drum and Dance Practice Fond du Lac Age to Age Program—Survival Workshop and Traditional Food Fond du Lac Band Resources Management—Newspaper Articles and Taking Care of Things Gathering and teaching Master Naturalist curriculum Bimaaji’idiwin Garden Program—Workshops Fond du Lac Newspaper –Monthly pages on Natural Resources and Ojibwe Language Fond du Lac Radio Station WGZS 89.9—Natural Resource Program currently in development Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College and Extension Program Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College St Louis River Watch Program—Presentations and Teaching University of Minnesota- Extension Programs: U of Minnesota Master Naturalist Program—Instructor and Teaching Class U of Minnesota Master Gardening Program and Junior Master Gardening Program--Teaching Other Tribal, State, Regional or Federal Programs: Great Lake Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission—Newspaper Article and workshops NRCS Regional Tribal Conservation Advisory Council—Representing Fond du Lac Tribe Intertribal Agriculture Council Mobile Farmer’s Market—Farmer’s Market Collaboration Native American student science camp Manoomin—Camp Instructor on Natural Resources and Ojibwe Cultural practices Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Fond du Lac Master Gardeners teach Junior Master Gardening classes at Brookston Community Center Master Naturalist Instructors made up of 13 Moons staff, Fond du Lac Resource Management Staff, and Fond du Lac Tribal and Community college staff were trained and then taught the first Master Naturalist class this year. The Ojibwe culture, history and traditional ecological knowledge of natural resources was incorporated into the Master Naturalist class curriculum 13 Moons staff and Master Naturalist Instructors were trained in Mushroom and Fungi workshop to offer in future 13 Moons workshops and Master Naturalist class. 13 Moons staff and FDL Resource Management and FDL Ojibwe school staff have been trained in Ojibwe Astronomy Skywatchers class to use the curriculum in school and to offer in future workshops. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Publication on natural resources and Ojibwe culture and language articles in the Fond du Lac newspaper. The Fond du Lac newspaper delivers nationwide to FDL Band members, currently 2000 newspapers are distributed by mail and additional copies are available to the public in Cloquet, Duluth, and Minneapolis Minnesota. 13 Moons workshop opportunities and informational articles are published in the Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College quarterly newspaper disseminated to approximately 1000 students. 13 Moons workship flyers are posted on Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College bulletin boards and electronic informational board. 13 Moons sends out flyers to a list serv with 240 participants to receive notices of upcoming events and workshops. 13 Moons uses Facebook to disseminate information on current workshops and events, topics on natural resource and Ojibwe culture and language. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? 13 Moons and the Fond du Lac Reservation radio station WGZS 89.9 is currently working together to develop a program to promote the natural resources, Ojibwe seasonal events, and language. Other information will include topics on gardening, hunting, fishing, and gathering. 13 Moons will continue to teach and grow the Ojibwe culturally focused Master Naturalist and Gardening programs on the Fond du Lac reservation. 13 Moons will continue to write regular newspaper articles for the Fond du Lac community, Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, and other tribal agencies. 13 Moons will use feedback and evaluation results to improve and create new seasonal and monthly workshops to meet the interest and needs of the community. 13 Moons will continue to be a presence in the Fond du Lac community by promoting, supporting, and participating in community events.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
In the past year 13 Moons has held 16 workshops and events on natural resource and Ojibwe culutural topics including: Drum and Dance-weekly workshop that supports the teaching of traditional drum and dancing by community members. Junior Master Gardening-weekly workshop for youth on Fond du Lac Reservation Canning Workshop-Workshop that highlights the health and economic benefits of canning food. Seasonal Decoration Using Natural Resources -Workshop that taught community members how to harvest natural resources to create seasonal decorations for personal and business use. Snowsnakes-workshop that taught the traditonal winter game of racing carved wooden sticks called snowsnakes Tapping birch trees-workshop that taught community members how to tap birch trees for syrup as well as the health benefits of birch syrup. Netting and Spearing -workshop that taught members the regulations and techniques around traditonal netting and spearing. Bee Pollinator-Workshop that taught the importance of native polliinators and how to build pollinator nests. Manoomin (wild rice) Camp-Instructor on traditional harvest and use of natural resources for American Indian youth. Fond du Lac Resources Management Taking Care of Things Gathering - 13 Moons help coordinate the event that highlights local producers and community programs forcused on natural resources and community health. 13 Moons also put up a display highlighting the program offerings. Women's Brunch-13 Moons Display Duluth Schools Native American Gathering--13 Moons Display Headstart CAP Pow wow-drum group and drum and dance practice for youth. Pow wow-USDA and Ojibwe cultural event highlighting USDA and other state/tribal/federal agency programs that support use of agricultural and natural resource programs. Nibi (Water) Forum-event that highlights research on local water issues, including youth led research on wild rice, and new water quality projects throughout the Ceded Territories. Traditional water ceremony and games encourage all community members to participate during the day long event. Master Naturalist Class-event/teaching. Week long class that taught community members about northeastern Minnesota biome with an emphasis on Ojibwe culture and language. Master Gardening Junior Master instruction continued this year at the Fond du Lac Brookston Community Center. Along with curriculum, Ojibwe culture and gardening practices, and knowledge of heirloom seeds and plants was incorporated into the teaching. Curriculum development using Master Naturalist curriculum and incorporating Ojibwe cultural, language, and natural resource traditional knowledge into classroom training. 13 Moons program held the first class at the Cloquet Forestry Center in June of 2013 with 15 participants from the FDL reservation and surrounding communities. Staff from FDL Resource Management presented on the natural resource management, history of the Ojibwe and reservation lands and ceded territories. Curriculum development objectives were met using University of Minnesota Junior Master Gardening curriculum and incorporating Ojibwe language and culture into the curriculum. Weather has had an effect on workshops and event planning this year. The Netting and spearing camp was cancelled due to the late ice out on Mille Lac Lake. We were able to hold a workshop indoors and present on the history of netting and spearing at Fond du Lac and proper techniques and educate traditional knowledge of taking care of the nets.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
Newspaper Page Nahgahchiwanong Dibahjimowinnan (2009) 13 Moons Ashiniswi giizisoog Page, August 2012-September 2013 http://www.fdlrez.com/newnr/13moons.htm
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Progress 09/01/11 to 08/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: From Thirteen Moons program's first workshop in August 2009 through August 2012, 39 workshops were offered to the Fond du Lac community - some as "free-standing" events and some within the context of sponsored seasonal events (denoted with an asterisk). Community members with knowledge or expertise in the workshop topic led all but a few workshops. The following information is the dates, title, and presenters for the 2011- 2012 workshops. September 2011, Straw bale gardening, T. Salzer and S. Judd; October 2011 Balsam bough harvest, D.Wilsey, S. Greensky, J.Miedtke; October 2011 Green Farm Field Trip, C. Reed; November 2011 Dream Catcher Weaving Workshop, J. Laporte; December 2011, Snow Snakes, R. Shimek; January - May 2012 (weekly) Ojibwe Drum and Dance with various community members; January - April 2012 Master Gardener(weekly);February 2012 Ojibwe Storytelling*, K. Secola,D. Aubid, J.Northrup, F. Montano, J. Vainio, R. Gresczyk; March 2012 Netting Workshop*, T. Howes; April 2012 Water Forum, V.Smith, N.Schuldt, River Watch, Lake Superior NERR, UNO-Chart and Louisiana Tribal Nations; May 2012 Red Willow Basket Workshop, J. Savage; June 2012 Ojibwe Language Camp*; July 2012 Wilderness Survival Skills, N. Crowe; July 2012 Age to Age Anishinaabe Cultural Camp*, various presenters; August 2012 Natural Bug Repellent, P. Faulkner; August 2012 Freezer Jam Workshop, D. Diver. Our seasonal camps are centered on traditional Ojibwe cultural events. Ojibwe Storytelling is a full-day event honoring the Ojibwe tradition of telling traditional stories when snow is on the ground. Our February 2012 Storytelling event had over 300 attendees. It included a traditional feast, storytelling by invited guests and community members, an educational expo, and a silent auction to raise additional funds for the Ojibwe Language Camp. Ojibwe Language Immersion Camp is a three-day event focused on developing Ojibwe language skills, practice of traditional activities, and natural resources through workshops, group sessions, games, activities, and more. Fluent language speakers were on staff and artisans presented their traditional crafts in Ojibwe. In June 2012, 300 people participated during the three-day Language Immersion event. The Manoomin (wild rice) camp is held in September and focuses on traditional and sustainable rice harvest and processing practices and norms. In September 2011, 27 adults and youth participated in the hands-on processing of wild rice. Thirteen Moons joined with the Fond du Lac Age to Age program to support the Anishinaabe cultural camp. The Age to Age camp included workshops on Fire Making, Sweat Teachings, Ricing Knockers, Plant Identification, to name just a few of the events. Thirteen Moons was instrumental in graduating the first co-hort of tribal Master Gardeners recognized as their own "county" in the state of Minnesota. This first co-hort of five Master Gardeners has started a youth gardening program on Fond du Lac Reservation and helped community members with garden projects. Over 1200 community members were served by 13 Moons workshops and events during the 2011-2012 program year. PARTICIPANTS: The Thirteen Moons program serves the Fond du Lac Reservation as well as the greater community. All programming is designed to be multi-generational with the intent of bringing youth and elders together. The program seeks to connect Fond du Lac band members and the surrounding community to regional natural resources, social knowledge networks, and Ojibwe culture. Currently the Thirteen Moons program collaborates with Fond du Lac Reservation, Fond du Lac Band Resources Management, Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College, University of Minnesota- Extension, Cloquet's Age to Age program, Fond du Lac Ojibwe School, Cloquet Boy Scouts, Fond du Lac Reservation's Gitigaan Program, community agricultural producer Reed Inc. and the native American student science camp Manoomin. TARGET AUDIENCES: The Thirteen Moons program serves the Fond du Lac Reservation as well as the greater community. All programming is designed to be multi-generational with the intent of bringing youth and elders together. The program seeks to connect Fond du Lac band members and the surrounding community to regional natural resources, social knowledge networks, and Ojibwe culture. During our 2011-2012 programming year for Thirteen Moons we actively sought out community and participant input in order to improve and expand our programming. Incorporated into each of our workshops and seasonal events were opportunities for participants to comment on the Thirteen Moons programming as well as provide suggestions on future programming. The Thirteen Moons Facebook page gave the greater community an opportunity to comment and share their views about Thirteen Moons without having to fill out an evaluation at a workshop or seasonal event. Each of the planned seasonal events also had a workgroup that brought in community professionals, regional leaders, and elders to help shape each event. These workgroups help ensure that all our events meet the needs and are respectful of our traditional community. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Thirteen Moons uses culture, ecology, and natural resource management themes to connect Tribal community members to natural resource knowledge and skills, social (non-family) knowledge networks, and Ojibwe culture. Outcome and impact reporting is the result of the successful implementation of the program's evaluation strategy, which includes three main approaches: 1. End-of-event survey instruments (quantitative and qualitative) 2. Annual internal evaluation of program leaders and partners(qualitative) 3. Annual strategic planning and evaluation with the program team. Results from the program evaluations showed success in meeting our goals of connecting the Fond du Lac community with natural resources, social-knowledge networks, and connecting with the Ojibwe culture. Out of a pool of 986 participants in Thirteen Moons programming a total of 340 evaluations were collected. Analysis of 2011-2012 evaluation results showed that Thirteen Moons programming positively impacted participants' knowledge and skills related to natural resources. The Thirteen Moons programming also was seen by 90% of the evaluated participants as an important vehicle for social networking, trying a new skill, sharing knowledge with others, and increasing confidence in using the Anishinaabe language. The Thirteen Moons program has also led to presentation requests from community organizations. Organizations like Fond du Lac Elder Concern Group, Fond du Lac Women's Gathering, Family Wellness Gathering, Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College Ojibwemowin Class, FDL State of the Band, Rural Sociology, and FDL Family and Child Education have all asked the Thirteen Moons program to come and speak to them about Thirteen Moons as well discuss ways that the program can meet community needs. The impacts of the Thirteen Moons program are being seen in unexpected ways. A Fond du Lac Reservation Business Council official, during an open meeting, cited the Thirteen Moons program as one of the main ways that the use of Ojibwe language is promoted. The Drum and Dance program was complimented by community members as a positive communal experience that gave all ages a space and time for gathering to learn songs and dances. Opportunities for youth and women to become involved in gardening has been expanded because of the Thirteen Moons Master Gardener program. The Thirteen Moons curriculum development process has evolved through several conversations at the program strategic planning meetings. The intent and current focus of effort is to compile all resources developed under the banner of the Thirteen Moons program. These resources - to include newspaper articles, workshop flyers, workshop materials, event materials, and contributors - are being cataloged using reference management software that facilitates easy content query and access. In the remaining three months of 2012 a set of curriculum frameworks will be developed. These frameworks will be based on the existing, cataloged resources but will present different means of organizing and utilizing these resources. Examples might include a simple seasonal approach, a linked workshops seasonal approach, and a thematic approach.
Publications
- Newspaper Page Nahgahchiwanong Dibahjimowinnan (2009) 13 Moons Ashiniswi giizisoog Page, August 2011-September 2012 http://www.fdlrez.com/newnr/13moons.htm
- Other Facebook (2010): http://www.facebook.com/pages/13-Moons-Ashiniswi-giizisoog/
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Progress 09/01/10 to 08/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: From 13 Moons program's first workshop in August 2009 through September 2011, 24 workshops were offered to the Fond du Lac community - some as "free-standing" events and some within the context of sponsored seasonal events (denoted with an asterisk). Community members with knowledge or expertise in the workshop topic led all but a few workshops. The following information is the dates, title, and presenters for the 2010- 2011 workshops. September 2011, Straw bale gardening, T. Salzer and S. Judd. August 2011, Canning produce, S. Conner. June 2011, Birch bark Baskertry*, J. Northrup. June 2011, Wild rice knockers and poles* C. Nahgahnub, June 2011, Deer and moose moccasins*, S. Agaton Howes. June 2011, Traditional hominy soup*. June 2011, Porcupine quill basketry, F. Medion. May 2011, Wild Edibles, F.Medion. April 2011, Seed saving, N. Crowe. March 2011, Spearing and Netting, T. Howes, and S. Thompson, January 2011, Ojibwe Language, D. Aubid, and N. Crowe. December 2010, Preparing the home for winter, A. Imig. November 2010, Ojibwe night sky, A. Lee. September 2010, Canning Venison, D. Wise. June 2010, Birch bark basketry*, J. Northrup. June 2010, Traditional pottery*, C. Esty. May 2010, Wild Foods, F. Medion. March 2010, Spearing and Netting, T. Howes. January 2010, Moccasin game, J. Ojibway. In the first year, Thirteen Moons committed to supporting and developing five seasonal events: Storytelling, Gitigaan Garden Program, Birch Canoe, Language Immersion Camp, and Rice Camp. General descriptions of the events follow. 1. The Ojibwe Storytelling is a full-day event honoring the Ojibwe tradition of telling traditional stories when snow is on the ground. The inaugural event, held February 2010, drew approximately 200 participants; more than 350 attended in 2011. It includes a traditional feast, storytelling by invited guests and community members, an educational expo, and a silent auction to raise additional funds for the Ojibwe Language Camp held in June. 2. Fond du Lac has a strong history of Gardening, notably through the Gitigaan Garden Group, which initiated over ten years ago. 3. The Birch Bark Canoe Immersion Camp is a month long event focuses on developing Ojibwe language skills and building a traditional birch bark canoe. From June to July 2011 over 50 people participated. 4. The Ojibwe Language Immersion Camp three-day event focuses on developing Ojibwe language skills, practice of traditional activities, and natural resources through workshops, group sessions, games, activities, and more. Fluent language speakers are on staff and artisans present their traditional crafts in Ojibwe. In June 2011, 350 people participated in the 3 day event. 5. The Manoomin (wild rice) camp is held in September and focuses on traditional and sustainable rice harvest and processing practices and norms. The rice camp is offered in collaboration with FDL Resource Management Division. In September 2011, 27 adults and youth participated in the hands-on processing of wild rice. PARTICIPANTS: The Thirteen Moons program serves the Fond du Lac Reservation as well as the greater community. All programming is designed to be multi-generational with the intent of bringing youth and elders together. The program seeks to connect Fond du Lac band members and the surrounding community to regional natural resources, social knowledge networks, and Ojibwe culture. Currently the Thirteen Moons program collaborates with Fond du Lac Reservation, Fond du Lac Band Resources Management, Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College, University of Minnesota- Extension, Cloquet's Age to Age program, Digital Storytelling with the Fond du lac Cancer program, Fond du Lac Ojibwe School, White Earth Reservation's Pine Point Elementary, Fond du Lac Reservation's Gitigaan Program, community agricultural producer Reed Inc. and the native American student science camp Manoomin. TARGET AUDIENCES: The Thirteen Moons program serves the Fond du Lac Reservation as well as the greater community. All programming is designed to be multi-generational with the intent of bringing youth and elders together. The program seeks to connect Fond du Lac band members and the surrounding community to regional natural resources, social knowledge networks, and Ojibwe culture. During our 2010-2011 programming year for Thirteen Moons we actively sought out community and participant input in order to improve and expand our programming. Incorporated into each of our workshops and seasonal events were opportunities for participants to comment on the Thirteen Moons programming as well as provide suggestions on future programming. The Thirteen Moons Facebook page gave the greater community an opportunity to comment and share their views about Thirteen Moons without having to fill out an evaluation at a workshop or seasonal event. Each of the planned seasonal events also had a workgroup that brought in community professionals, regional leaders, and elders to help shape each event. These workgroups help ensure that all our events meet the needs and are respectful of our traditional community. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Thirteen Moons uses culture, ecology, and natural resource management themes to connect Tribal community members to natural resource knowledge and skills, social (non-family) knowledge networks, and Ojibwe culture. The program's varied outputs have led to notable outcomes and impacts. Outcome and impact reporting is the result of the successful implementation of the program's evaluation strategy, which includes three main approaches: 1. End-of-event survey instruments (quantitative and qualitative) 2. Annual internal evaluation of program leaders and partners(qualitative) 3. Annual strategic planning and evaluation with the program team (qualitative; data forthcoming) Results from the program evaluations showed success in meeting our goals of connecting the Fond du Lac community with natural resources, social-knowledge networks, and connecting with the Ojibwe culture. Analysis of evaluation results showed that 13 Moons programming positively impacted participants' knowledge and skills related to natural resources (74%, n=163) and Ojibwe culture (82%, n=310). Programming increased individual's interactions with social (non-family) networks (81%, n=287). Participants intended to implement new knowledge or skills (72%, n=158) and to share them others (94%, n=124). The Thirteen Moons programming has also attracted a diverse sampling of the Fond du Lac community and greater community. At the 2011 Storytelling event survey results showed that participants were not only from the Fond du Lac reservation but also from other reservations in Minnesota, nearby urban communities, and even from out of state. A survey of stakeholders gathered some useful insights on the 13 Moons project. As one survey responded said "Thirteen Moons shows us how to harvest our resources in a good way. Many of the presenters also incorporate a Spiritual aspect to such events and thereby add a process that has long been absent to many of us when attempting to engage in following old ways of gathering. This kind of sharing is fundamental in keeping our relationship wit the environment alive and thriving." Another respondent also noted that "I believe that Thirteen Moons is bringing communities together. The tribal council has worked closer with the tribal college and whole community is becoming aware of our environment."
Publications
- Newspaper Page Nahgahchiwanong Dibahjimowinnan (2009) 13 Moons Ashiniswi giizisoog Page, June 2009-October 2011 http://www.fdlrez.com/newnr/13moons.htm
- Wilsey, D. S. (2011) Using participatory research to drive program development: the case of Thirteen Moons at Fond du Lac. Intertribal Timber Council Symposium. Integrating Traditional Knowledge with Modern Management. Carlton, MN. 13-16 June 2011. (Invited)
- Wilsey, D. S. (2011) Ashi-niswi giizisoog (Thirteen Moons): the Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College Extension Program. Intertribal Timber Council Symposium. Integrating Traditional Knowledge with Modern Management. Carlton, MN. 13-16 June 2011.
- Wilsey, D. S., R. Defoe, W. Dupuis, T. Howes, S. Judd, S. Olson, R. Peacock, and N. Crowe. (2011) Thirteen Moons: forging connections in an Ojibwe community through culture, ecology, and management (Poster*).
- International Symposium on Society and Resource Management.(2011) Integrating Conservation and Sustainable Living. Madison, Wisconsin, 4-8 June 2011. *Professional poster award.
- Wilsey, D.S., R. Defoe, W. Dupuis, T. Howes, S. Judd, S. Olson, and J. Miedtke.(2010) Thirteen Moons: The Anatomy of an Emergent Extension Program (Poster). University of Minnesota Extension Fall Program Conference. Bloomington, MN. 4-6 October 2010.
- Wilsey, D. S. (2010) Thirteen Moons at eleven months: Early results from an emerging model for American Indian programming. Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals Conference. Opportunities for Extension in a Changing Environment: Lessons from the Last Frontier. Fairbanks, Alaska. 27-30 June 2010.
- Wilsey, D.S., S. Beaulieu, and D. Newman. (2010) We Listen to Them: A Method for Interaction and Assessing Natural Resource Perspectives in Tribal Communities (Poster). University of Minnesota Extension Fall Program Conference. 7-9 October 2010.
- Professional publications Wilsey, D.S. (2012) The Ballot Approach to End-of-Event Evaluation in Indian Country, and Beyond. Journal of Extension (forthcoming). [Appendix VII]
- Wilsey, D.S. and S. Beaulieu (2010). We listen to them: assessing natural resource perspectives and priorities in a Tribal community. Journal of Extension [Online], 48(5) Article 5FEA9. Available at: http://www.joe.org/joe/a9php. [Appendix VIII]
- Media coverage Erickson, Sue (2011) Thirteen Moons first manoomin camp promotes traditional skills/ language. GLIFWC online at http://glifwc.org/Accordian_Stories/Ricing.html Erickson, Sue (2011) FdL camp promotes language, traditional skills. Fall Mazinaigan
- Erickson, Sue (2011) Ashiniswi giizisoog Dibaajimowini maawanjiidiwin Thirteen Moons Storytelling Event draws a crowd. Mazinaigan Summer
- Other Facebook (2010): http://www.facebook.com/pages/13-Moons-Ashiniswi-giizisoog/
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