Progress 07/15/23 to 09/30/23
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for this grant is the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin and surrounding Tribes with an interest in bringing historical seeds back to their communities. This includes youth, families, elders, and CMN students who are interested in restoring their historical knowledge and growing their own food. Changes/Problems:The first year of the project was right in the middle of COVID and this prevented us from traveling to museums and seed banks. We now have a team that has been able to work with museums and visit them within the Midwest which has brought rich opportunities for reconnecting to the seeds that were once grown in the area. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The collection of the results are still in the compilation phase. There is much to be learned from the research that is happening and we are looking forward to sharing it with the Tribal communities we serve. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?July 2023 - Work with Menominee consultant and Menominee student worker to attempt to germinate and plant seeds already in possession of the college that have historical meaning to the community and the region as well as continuing to pursue additional seeds from other sources. Two Menominee females are planning a visit to the Milwaukee Public Library to possibly rematriate the Menominee and Stockbridge seeds within the Anthropology Department. Additional community members with knowledge of traditional growing and seed germination will be brought in to assist with trying to grow these seeds out. August 2023 - Participants will continue to attempt to grow out seeds from various sources in order to build on the seed bank on campus that will have the history behind where the seeds came from and accompanying instructions. September 2023 - The group will practice learned seed saving techniques to ensure viability for future growing seasons. Stories will be documented both in writing and with video and pictures as to proper growing conditions and historical stories about the seeds.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Sustainable Agriculture faculty, Dr. Frank Kutka, was able to acquire a list of seeds from the Science Museum of Minnesota with ties to historic indigenous communities in the Midwest. Dr. Kutka was also able to locate a bean seed from Seed Savers Exchange that was grown by the Lac Courte Orielles band of Chippewa in western Wisconsin in the early 1900s. Additionally it was found that the USDA national seed bank had sunflower seeds that are of Menominee descent. Dr. Kutka is working on a paper to be submitted for publication in the Tribal College and University Research Journal about regeneration old seeds. Brian Kowalkowski, Dean of Continuing Education visited the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian to try and get a connection to possible Menominee seeds being housed at the Smithsonian. There was no response after sharing contact information. Jennifer Gauthier, Menominee female, interviewed and shared seeds with a local couple that have been growing a garden with organic heirloom seeds for many years. She was able to document the stories they shared with regard to where the seeds came from and their true meaning. Finally, after COVID traveling restrictions have been lifted, a group was able to the Wisconsin Historical Society in Madison, Wisconsin to meet with Jacqueline Pozza Reisner, Curator of American Indian Collections. This included Jennifer Gauthier (enrolled Menominee), Lucy Grignon (Enrolled Stockbridge and Menominee descendant) and Naneque Latender (enrolled Menominee). Ms. Reisner allowed the group to review an ancient seed collection from a list of over 25 counties in the State of Wisconsin from archaeological digs that occurred over the years, The group was able to take pictures and notes to identify which seeds may have historical identity to the Menominee. The counties of interest included; Fond du lac Outagamie Door Milwaukee Waupaca Winnebago Portage Sheboygan Racine In addition to the archaeological findings they also had a curated collection from a fur trader named Mumm that included seeds from northeast Wisconsin. The College of Menominee Nation staff identified samples of interest; 4 Amaranthus (genus of annual or short-lived perennials that includes leaf vegetables, 1989.19.249) 15 Chenopodium (Goosefoot, 1989.19.233) 1 Cornus seed (genus of dogwoods, 1984.91.2448) - this is from a Euroamerican occupation, would you still be interested in it? It is possible the family was Native using Euroamerican materials or they were partially Native, we don't know for sure. 2 Gramineae seed (genus of flowering grasses that includes cereals, maize, wheat, rice, barley, 1989.19.242) 1 Nicotiana rustica (tobacco, 1984.91.2382) - 20 Rubus seeds (genus of flowering plants that includes raspberries and blackberries, 1984.91.2391, 1984.91.2371, 1984.2382) 1 Trifolium seed (genus of flowering plants in the legume or pea family, 1984.91.2436) - this is also from a Euroamerican occupation. These requests for samples has triggered the Wisconsin Historical Society to develop a policy for sampling where as long as the request doesn't completely use up an accessioned item, a pathway is in place to hand over what is requested. We have been in touch with the Curator of Anthropology Collections at the Milwaukee Public Library as they have indicated they have Menominee and Stockbridge seeds housed in their Anthropology Department. We are planning a visit yet this summer to view the specimens.
Publications
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Progress 07/15/20 to 09/30/23
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for this grant is the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin and surrounding Tribes with an interest in bringing historical seeds back to their communities. This includes youth, families, elders, and CMN students who are interested in restoring their historical knowledge and growing their own food. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?In addition to visits to museums throughout the State, the college's Nutrition Outreach Coordinator attended the Native Nutrition Conference in Minneapolis. She has also been trained in FlexFarming which is the ability to germinate seeds in doors utilizing grow lights. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?We have been able to share our findings with other Tribes in the State through the Wisconsin Inter-Tribal Repatriation Committee, monthly reports to the college's board of directors, and social media outlets. At the end of the project, a seed celebration was held at the local farmers market with samples of the seeds and the plants that were discovered on display. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Sustainable Agriculture faculty, Dr. Frank Kutka, was able to acquire a list of seeds from the Science Museum of Minnesota with ties to historic indigenous communities in the Midwest. Dr. Kutka was also able to locate a bean seed from Seed Savers Exchange that was grown by the Lac Courte Orielles band of Chippewa in western Wisconsin in the early 1900s. Additionally, it was found that the USDA National Seed Bank had sunflower seeds that are of Menominee descent. Brian Kowalkowski, Dean of Continuing Education visited the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian to try and get a connection to possible Menominee seeds being housed at the Smithsonian. There was no response after sharing contact information. Jennifer Gauthier, a female Menominee, interviewed and shared seeds with a local couple that have been growing a garden with organic heirloom seeds for many years. She was able to document the stories they shared with regard to where the seeds came from and their true meaning. Finally, after COVID traveling restrictions have been lifted, a group was able to the Wisconsin Historical Society in Madison, Wisconsin to meet with Jacqueline Pozza Reisner, Curator of American Indian Collections. This included Jennifer Gauthier (enrolled Menominee), Lucy Grignon (Enrolled Stockbridge and Menominee descendant) and Naneque Latender (enrolled Menominee). Ms. Reisner allowed the group to review an ancient seed collection from a list of over 25 counties in the State of Wisconsin from archaeological digs that occurred over the years, The group was able to take pictures and notes to identify which seeds may have historical identity to the Menominee. The counties of interest included; Fond du lac Outagamie Door Milwaukee Waupaca Winnebago Portage Sheboygan Racine In addition to the archaeological findings they also had a curated collection from a fur trader named Mumm that included seeds from northeast Wisconsin. The College of Menominee Nation staff identified samples of interest; 4 Amaranthus (genus of annual or short-lived perennials that includes leaf vegetables, 1989.19.249) 15 Chenopodium (Goosefoot, 1989.19.233) 1 Cornus seed (genus of dogwoods, 1984.91.2448) - this is from a Euroamerican occupation, would you still be interested in it? It is possible the family was Native using Euroamerican materials or they were partially Native, we don't know for sure. 2 Gramineae seed (genus of flowering grasses that includes cereals, maize, wheat, rice, barley, 1989.19.242) 1 Nicotiana rustica (tobacco, 1984.91.2382) - 20 Rubus seeds (genus of flowering plants that includes raspberries and blackberries, 1984.91.2391, 1984.91.2371, 1984.2382) 1 Trifolium seed (genus of flowering plants in the legume or pea family, 1984.91.2436) - this is also from a Euroamerican occupation. These requests for samples has triggered the Wisconsin Historical Society to develop a policy for sampling where as long as the request doesn't completely use up an accessioned item, a pathway is in place to hand over what is requested. The college's request was forwarded for approval by the Wisconsin Historical Society to the Wisconsin Inter-Tribal Repatriation Committee which is made up of all Tribal Historic Preservation Officers from the Tribes in the state. On September 14, 2023, the committee agreed to allow the seeds to be dispersed to the College of Menominee Nation for 'rematriation". The request included, 8- Rubus that include aster, daisy, and sunflowers, 3 - Rubus that include Chenopodium, 15 Rubus - that includes tobacco, 1 - Trifolium, 1 - American Hornbeam Tree, 20 Mumm seeds, 15 - Chenopodium, 2- Gramineae, 4 - Amaranthus. On December 14th, Jennifer Gauthier, Lizette Bailey, Lucy Grignon, Kes?pitay??men, Naneque LaTender, Wik?hsemen, and Kael Weshonquit traveled down to Madison to the Wisconsin Historical Society to rematriate 10 different varieties of ancient seeds that were in their archives. This was a long process to first go down and identify seeds from the area that were from archaeological projects years ago to then obtain permission to bring them back. The plan is to attempt to germinate these seeds and possibly grow them out for additional seeds. They are currently being housed in the college's temperature-controlled cooler. We werein touch with the Curator of Anthropology Collections at the Milwaukee Public Library as they have indicated they have Menominee and Stockbridge seeds housed in their Anthropology Department. We are planning a visit yet this summer to view the specimens. One of our female seed keepers was also able to visit Albany, New York and Albuquerque, New Mexicoto identify possible ancestral seeds of the Stockbridge-Munsee Tribe which is adjacent to the Menominee Reservation. Focus Areas: Archives Special Collections Botany Collections Stockbridge Beans Lenape Blue Corn Lenape White Corn Focus Areas: Lenape Blue Corn Lenape White Corn Hopi Blue Corn Since the summer of 2022, she collaborated with farms in New York that reside on the ancestral homelands of the Stockbridge tribe.Knowledge sharing, caring of the land, and important seed conversations happened. In 2023, she visited these samefarms, checking in on traditional seed relatives that were planted in the ancestral homelands soil. The seeds were thriving and doing such wonderful work on their homelands. Lenape is one of the 7 tribes that traveled with the Stockbridge Munsee Band of Mohican Nation when they were relocated from out East (MA and New York) to current-day Wisconsin. Researched growing traditional corn in different growing environments. Researched the traditional seed relatives and map out their trade routes.She connected with local seed keepers, knowledge bearers, and gardeners who have experience working with traditional seeds.
Publications
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Progress 07/15/22 to 07/14/23
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for this grant is the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin and surrounding Tribes with an interest in bringing historical seeds back to their communities. This includes youth families, elders, and CMN students who are interested in restoring their historical knowledge and growing their own food. Changes/Problems:The first year of the project was right in the middle of COVID and this prevented us from traveling to museums and seed banks. We now have a team that has been able to work with museums and visit them within the Midwest which has brought rich opportunities for reconnecting to the seeds that were once grown in the area. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The collection of the results are still in the compilation phase. There is much to be learned from the research that is happening and we are looking forward to sharing it with the Tribal communities we serve. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?July 2023 - Work with Menominee consultant and Menominee student worker to attempt to germinate and plant seeds already in possession of the college that have historical meaning to the community and the region as well as continuing to pursue additional seeds from other sources. Two Menominee females are planning a visit to the Milwaukee Public Library to possibly rematriate the Menominee and Stockbridge seeds within the Anthropology Department. Additional community members with knowledge of traditional growing and seed germination will be brought in to assist with trying to grow these seeds out. August 2023 - Participants will continue to attempt to grow out seeds from various sources in order to build on the seed bank on campus that will have the history behind where the seeds came from and accompanying instructions. September 2023 - The group will practice learned seed saving techniques to ensure viability for future growing seasons. Stories will be documented both in writing and with video and pictures as to proper growing conditions and historical stories about the seeds.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Sustainable Agriculture faculty, Dr. Frank Kutka, was able to acquire a list of seeds from the Science Museum of Minnesota with ties to historic indigenous communities in the Midwest. Dr. Kutka was also able to locate a bean seed from Seed Savers Exchange that was grown by the Lac Courte Orielles band of Chippewa in western Wisconsin in the early 1900s. Additionally, it was found that the USDA national seed bank had sunflower seeds that are of Menominee descent. Dr. Kutka is working on a paper to be submitted for publication in the Tribal College and University Research Journal about the regeneration of old seeds. Brian Kowalkowski, Dean of Continuing Education visited the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian to try and get a connection to possible Menominee seeds being housed at the Smithsonian. There was no response after sharing contact information. Jennifer Gauthier, a Menominee female, interviewed and shared seeds with a local couple that has been growing a garden with organic heirloom seeds for many years. She was able to document the stories they shared with regard to where the seeds came from and their true meaning. Finally, after COVID traveling restrictions have been lifted, a group was able to the Wisconsin Historical Society in Madison, Wisconsin to meet with Jacqueline Pozza Reisner, Curator of American Indian Collections. This included Jennifer Gauthier (enrolled Menominee), Lucy Grignon (Enrolled Stockbridge and Menominee descendant), and Naneque Latender (enrolled Menominee). Ms. Reisner allowed the group to review an ancient seed collection from a list of over 25 counties in the State of Wisconsin from archaeological digs that occurred over the years, The group was able to take pictures and notes to identify which seeds may have historical identity to the Menominee. The counties of interest included; Fond du lac Outagamie Door Milwaukee Waupaca Winnebago Portage Sheboygan Racine In addition to the archaeological findings they also had a curated collection from a fur trader named Mumm that included seeds from northeast Wisconsin. The College of Menominee Nation staff identified samples of interest; 4 Amaranthus (genus of annual or short-lived perennials that includes leaf vegetables, 1989.19.249) 15 Chenopodium (Goosefoot, 1989.19.233) 1 Cornus seed (genus of dogwoods, 1984.91.2448) - this is from a Euroamerican occupation, would you still be interested in it? It is possible the family was Native using Euroamerican materials or they were partially Native, we don't know for sure. 2 Gramineae seed (genus of flowering grasses that includes cereals, maize, wheat, rice, barley, 1989.19.242) 1 Nicotiana rustica (tobacco, 1984.91.2382) - 20 Rubus seeds (genus of flowering plants that includes raspberries and blackberries, 1984.91.2391, 1984.91.2371, 1984.2382) 1 Trifolium seed (genus of flowering plants in the legume or pea family, 1984.91.2436) - this is also from a Euroamerican occupation. These requests for samples has triggered the Wisconsin Historical Society to develop a policy for sampling where as long as the request doesn't completely use up an accessioned item, a pathway is in place to hand over what is requested. We have been in touch with the Curator of Anthropology Collections at the Milwaukee Public Library as they have indicated they have Menominee and Stockbridge seeds housed in their Anthropology Department. We are planning a visit yet this summer to view the specimens.
Publications
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