SDI Attended Native Plants Restoration Workshop

On April 19, 2012, SDI staff attended a Native Plants Restoration Workshop in Wilson, MI titled “KINOMAAGEWIN-AKI, Teachings from the Earth.” The workshop provided training and information on a wide range of Native Plants topics. Insights were shared on traditional Native cultural teachings, medicinal plants and challenges facing native plants restoration, pollinator-protection efforts, and perspectives on technical support. Speakers shared success stories on growing Native Plants and provided resources, such as information on invasive species.

Attendees strengthened ties with one another and learned of local efforts in place. “You’re all being brought together by the plant world, the spirit world,” noted a speaker. Scott Herron suggested that to stay in balance, we need to stay connected with plants and posed the question of what really makes us much different from anything else, whether it be plants or animals. “We’re a product of our ancestors,” he said, “The same time you do ecological restoration; you have to do cultural and spiritual restoration.”

Much effort was placed on not only supporting one another, but to also help our plant family, especially now with climate change and plant extinction.  Jan Schultz, from the USDA Forest Service commented: “We are neighbors on the landscape and are connected by common need.”

SDI was honored to be part of the workshop and plans to continue to work with the group in the future. Tobacco seeds from the workshop will be planted in the College of Menominee Nation greenhouse with SDI soon. If you would like to work with the planting or Traditional Native plants restoration, contact SDI. sdi@menominee.edu