FROM SAP TO SYRUP, NET TO GIFT: CULTURE IN EVERY SEASON

By Vivian LaMoore, Inaajimowin Editor

For more than a decade, the Cultural Resources Department has worked closely with area youth and the Mille Lacs Band community to pass down cultural harvesting practices. These teachings encompass treaty rights — especially those connected to the 1837 Treaty — seasonal harvesting traditions, safety protocols, and the rules and regulations that govern each season, whether it’s ricing, sugar bush, fishing, or gathering.

The Mille Lacs Band Department of Natural Resources has served as a vital source of tribal ecological knowledge since its inception. Nearly ten years ago, the creation of the Cultural Resources Department was formally approved as a part of the Department of Natural Resources, according to Ga be giizhig Todd Moilanen, Director of Cultural Resources. Since then, the department has continued to grow, guided by a dedicated team that includes Moilanen, Gezhiikaad John Benjamin, and Bine zhii Quintin “Bone” Sam.

During this year’s Sugar Bush Camp season, the department welcomed approximately 250 area youth from Nay Ah Shing, Isle, Onamia, Brainerd, Milaca, McGregor, and Hinckley-Finlayson public schools as well as the Urban area, Aazhoomog, Minisinaakwaang, Chiminising, and Nay Ah Shing communities. The program guides the learning of the time-honored practices such as identifying maple trees, selecting the proper side of the tree for tapping, determining the right height, and knowing when to insert or remove taps. Youth also learned about syrup storage, traditional cooking methods for syrup and sugar cakes, and the cultural significance of gifting the products they make. Ga be giizhig emphasized that these teachings are deeply rooted in traditional values — especially respect.

“There’s a deep respect for the maple trees and a strong appreciation for the history of the sugar bush camp at Iskiga mizigan, which has been a part of Mille Lacs Band history for a couple hundred years,” Ga be giizhig said. “The powwow grounds and sugar bush camp area have been designated as green space. That means these areas will never be developed. They will remain a natural Iskigamizigan, providing important mashkiki (medicine) for future generations.”

The department’s teachings are holistic, blending nutritional and medicinal knowledge with cultural protocols. Each harvest season — whether for sugar bush, fish, rice, or medicines — includes hands-on learning guided by the Cultural Resources team.

Youth participants include students from Nay Ah Shing and surrounding public schools such as Isle, Onamia, Brainerd, Mi laca, and McGregor, as well as youth from all three Districts and the Urban area. The learning extends beyond students— departments like Aanjibimaadizing, Ge-Niigaanizijig, Family Services, and local families, including foster families, also take part.

As sugar bush season wrapped up, the team turned its at tention to cleaning up the Cultural Grounds and preparing for the upcoming fish harvest. “It’s a lot of work — but it’s fun,” Ga be giizhig said. “It’s fun to watch the kids learn. They love har vesting fish, they love cleaning fish. They’re hungry for culture. It’s great to see them embrace these teachings so they can pass them on. That’s what it’s all about. And honestly, I enjoy learning with them. I’m a kid myself — it’s fun.”

The fishing season curriculum includes preparing and caring for nets, practicing proper fishing etiquette, boat safety, read ing wind speed and direction, and honoring the fish through ceremony. One of the most important practices is offering asemaa (tobacco) to the manidoo for safety and a bountiful harvest. Youth are also taught the importance of sharing their catch with Elders and the wider community.

This year, the department hopes to harvest 300 pounds of giigoonh (fish) to gift to Elders. “All of this — every harvest, every tradition — is for the next generation,” said Moilanen. “We pass on this tribal ecological knowledge so they can carry it forward and share it with those who come after them. That’s the foundation of every thing we do.”

The Cultural Resources Department continues to teach and celebrate the full cycle of seasonal harvesting — ricing, fishing, hunting, gathering, and medicine collection. As the sea sons turn, so do the teachings. Stay connected for more stories from the land, the water, and the hands that carry tradition forward.