Earth Day Takeaway from SDI Director Chris Caldwell

Posoh,

As some of you may know, Earth Day turned 43 years old on Monday[1]. Thanks to United States Senator Gaylord Nelson’s efforts back in 1970, we now recognize April 22^nd as a day that promotes environmental awareness and protection efforts across the earth. Originally planned as a teach-in opportunity for college campuses to focus on issues of the environment, the event has since grown to inspire the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) [2], as well as global efforts like the United Nations General Assembly adoption of Resolution 63/278 to recognize April 22^nd, as International Mother Earth Day[3].

At The Sustainable Development Institute we participate in Earth Day activities because of the common ideals between Earth Day and the SDI mission to promote the values of sustainability. However, the primary inspiration for our mission comes not from Senator Nelson, as important as his contributions have been, but from the long history of the Menominee tribe and its protection of the land, and care for the resources and people. The Menominee Forest history is the example and impetus that is at the heart of what drives SDI and its mission. This year SDI participated in Earth Day activities by holding an Earth Day fair which discussed mining, water resources, climate change, and sustainability pledges, which culminated in a special presentation by Al Gedicks, author of Resource Rebels, who discussed past and current mining issues in Wisconsin. We were able to coordinate this event and especially Mr. Gedicks participation thanks to the CMN SEEDS student group[4].

I think the main message for Earth Day is wherever you draw your inspiration and desire for all things sustainable, it comes down to an individual choice to follow that with action. Whether its simple things like stopping and picking up a piece of garbage, recycling, signing a sustainable living pledge, or something long term like choosing to pursue an education, internships, or a career in an environmental field, or even totally changing the way you approach living in this world. It all takes a personal commitment to the values you choose to follow.

As the new Director of SDI I’ve found myself questioning[5] more and more, what does it really mean to be sustainable? Am I doing everything I can to make better choices not just for my children and grandchildren’s future, but for the future of our forest and our Nation? It can be tough to think about these things with our busy schedules, but it is necessary as individuals and communities if we intend to care for the land and resources we have been given.

Waewaenon,
Chris Caldwell
SDI Director

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[1] My original deadline for this blog was Monday. Please see my excuse at procrastination (sub-titled for my Spanish speaking friends).

[2] http://www.earthday.org/earth-day-history-movement

[3] http://www.un.org/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A/RES/63/278

[4] AISES, another CMN student group had a table set up. I always have to give my props to AISES from my days with the UW-Madison AISES group.

[5] Well, not totally true, my wife and kids ask me as well. What does sustainability mean? I can’t lie and say it means sitting watching TV all day, Can I?

SDI Puts on Middle School Night Hike and Lock-in Activity

On February 8, twenty-four Menominee Indian Middle School students participated in an overnight lock-in at the College of Menominee Nation Keshena campus. Students explored astronomy through hands-on night activities and participated in scientific, sustainable, and cultural programming.  “Nothing like this had been done on the CMN campus before, but we knew it could be done,” said Kate Flick, event organizer and SDI Education Coordinator, “It turned out great! Primarily it was to have fun, but it’s always nice when you can do fun events and teach and learn at the same time.”

Paula Fernandez, Cultural Resource Specialist for Menominee Indian School District, guided students in stories and emphasized that the group respect the night-time. Paula shared that Menominee people traditionally do not go out at night; this is the time for the sprits. Students were particularly respectful while they looked at the stars and participated in night time activities.

Students hiked on the CMN walking trail and gathered in a clearing where they identified the seven sisters/seven brothers and told the story of how those stars came to be. The stars were exceptionally visible and it was especially dark –a new moon cycle was about to begin. Students were able to match start color to their temperature and “temperament.” (As Kate described it, “The bright blue-ish/white stars are the ones burning hot and fast like hyperactive youngsters.  Yellow are a little mellower, not as hot and burn a little slower, like middle-aged people—and red stars are low temperature and burn slowly, like grandparents.  It's kind of like fire.“)

Later, around a fire, students and staff told stories. “They are very impressive story tellers!” said Kate. Musician Wade Fernandez provided the group with a performance where he played the flute in the wintry night air. Students told more stories and made s’mores before heading inside. Students slept in the CMN Commons Building where they watched movies, played pool, and got a little sleep.  

Participants woke up to a magical snowy morning where snowflakes hung on tree branches like crystals. Participants went for a morning walk—which turned into outdoor games a snowball fight! The students had a great time and the event was a big hit. Programming supplemented student’s in-class learning where they are currently learning about astronomy, stars, and the universe. SDI sends a huge thank you to all the chaperons who helped during the event.

Intern Experience: By Brennan Waupoose

Brennan Waupoose, College of Menominee Nation student and Sustainable Development Institute Intern, shares his internship experience in the piece below. Brennan's hometown is Keshena, WI and he is a CMN Biological and Physical Sciences major.

SDI Intern: Invasive Species Research Technician

"In the summer of 2012 I spent 6 weeks with Dave Mausel Ph.D., Forest Health Forester with Menominee Tribal Enterprise studying the different invasive plants, insects, and diseases that impact the Menominee forest.

As part of the internship I was to be included in a research project identifying what impacts European earthworms may have on hardwood forests. With a professor and students from UW-Platteville and a student from UW-Madison we spent one week in the Chequamegon National Forest in northwestern Wisconsin collecting our samples and another week at the TREES Lab on the UW-Platteville campus carefully analyzing our data. With our findings we developed a poster presentation to be presented at two national conferences.

·         Society for Advancing Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) National Conference was held in Seattle, WA Oct. 11-14. 1 of 3 awarded in Environmental Sciences category.

·         American Indian Science & Engineering Society (AISES) National Conference in Anchorage, Alaska Oct 29-Nov 4. Received 4^th Place of 88 Undergraduate Research Poster presentations.

This opportunity has changed my career goals. I enrolled in Spring 2012 thinking I would go for a nursing degree. I actually applied for a different internship that I was interested in and was offered this one instead. I was hesitant to accept the position since it was not in my intended field but it has all been worth it. I have met an incredible group of people who have made this project a memory impossible to forget. The most positive outcome of this has been the educational path formed with the help of Evan Larson Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Geography at UW-Platteville who has helped open doors to working in his lab if I go to school at UW-Platteville.

The internship experience also led me to the AISES  conference where I met an admissions director from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Science who joined McKaylee Duquain, Evan Larson and I in our celebratory dinner and offered us unbiased insight on the application process and  how the programs work at Yale. Now, I have a goal in mind: to earn a Masters and possibly Ph.D in Ecology at Yale. Furthermore, more opportunities continue to arise where I can keep presenting results from this project and to develop other projects based off of this one experience.

I highly encourage others to apply for something they may not initially be interested in because in the end it will be beneficial in some way. You will find out if you like it or not, it will look good on any resume, and most importantly you will meet people that may help direct you in the right path."

UW Madison Professor Ankur Desai on Carbon, Climate, and the Forest

 

On November 2, 2012, Guest Lecturer, Professor Ankur Desai, from UW Madison gave a presentation on Carbon, Climate and the Forest. Desai explained carbon uptake and how it may affect the Menominee forest and climate change. Desai also highlighted the importance of getting CMN students internships to study such subjects. “My hope is that the simple act of exposure, in a field-based setting, provides that first taste to some College of Menominee Nation students that might go on to careers in science,” said Professor Desai.

Through slides and an interactive game, a CMN audience of about 30 students, faculty, and staff learned from Desai. “One particular service the landscape can provide is the uptake of carbon and that’s what we want to talk about today,” said Desai. He also explained how understanding microclimates, soil, and carbon uptake throughout various ecosystems varies – not to mention population.  “We can use atmosphere to understand land systems,” said Desai, “but you have to think about each person’s use of energy, not just space.” Furthermore, this energy use will influence our future. “As we change C02, we change the climate,” Desai noted, “the short story is solid science.”

To explain the exchange of carbon between atmosphere, the ocean, decomposers, and the like, the room participated in a game which simulated the global carbon cycle. Participants visualized first-hand the atmosphere as an exchange system and the large influence that photosynthesis has. Most critically, it was clear to see how fossil fuels are such a small part of the carbon exchange, but how over time, it builds up in the atmosphere. Desai explained how carbon exchange can be variable and sensitive and the uncertainty is what scientists are often trying to figure out.  Although science shows this change globally, factors like water vapor effect, land warming, snow melting, permafrost, and positive and negative feedbacks are all influencers. “This is what makes climate change modeling so difficult,” said Desai.

It is critical that Menominee students to get involved in this science. Students need to study physics, chemistry, biology, geology, and economics to study the relation to climate change. Impacts for Menominee will be great and it is necessary to have CMN students trained how to maintain forestry in the face of climate change –for example, to study how winter temperature change may affect summer plants. There is potential through Desai’s research for students to study these research topics. This research is widespread and topics could cover anywhere from soil decomposition in spreadsheets measured in spatial variables on the reservation to engineering long term measurements with specialized equipment.

Sustainability Event at Ashwaubenon High School

Sustainability Event Planner Intern Laundi Keepseagle and Sustainability Education Coordinator Kate Flick recently visited Ashwaubenon High School to give a lesson on sustainability to two Forestry and Natural Resources Classes.  High school students worked collaboratively to make and present posters on their vision of sustainability which included concepts like 7 generations, linear vs. holistic thought, interconnection, and the interdisciplinary nature of sustainability. See photos below!

Hear From SDI Intern, Laundi Keepseagle

"Híŋhaŋni wašté.  Emačiyapi ye Laundi Keepseagle. Good Morning. My name is Laundi Keepseagle. I am Dakota Sioux from the Standing Rock Reservation in North Dakota. I have two beautiful daughters, Alexanndrea Germaine and Kyemoni Dakota. The blessing of my children laid out a new path in my life. I decided to attend college shortly after my first daughter was born.

I am currently a Sustainable Development major at the College of Menominee Nation and an active SEEDS member.  I am very inspired by one of my professors, Dr. William VanLopik. During his Intro to Sustainable Development course, I was first introduced to the interconnections of economics, ecology and social equity. I was drawn to social equity issues and hope to continue my education further in this direction. My major goal for the future is to open eyes and hearts to social equity issues happening everyday throughout indigenous tribes across the globe.

The Sustainable Development Institute Sustainability Outreach Event Planner Internship has offered me a running start on my goal. With this opportunity, I have been able to connect with the audience I find most important, children. Thus far, I have taught four classes on sustainability with an emphasis in science and art. I feel that hands-on learning is far more effective than lectures and this internship has given me the chance to explore this thought. I hope to step outside my box and not be afraid to fail. I want to make an impact on the community and spark interest in sustainability."  

"Hello!" from SDI Intern Deidre Wolfe

My name is Deidre Ann Wolfe. I am 29 years old and the proud mother of an amazing and beautiful girl named Nevaeh Boyd and the significant other of Jerred Caldwell. We are also happily awaiting a baby that will be here in early February 2013. I am also a member of the Lac Courte Orellies Ojibwe Nation. I have obtained associates’ degrees in pre-nursing and biological sciences from College of Menominee Nation (CMN) and am currently working on a bachelor’s degree in education. My current goals and intentions for my educational journey are to provide the best life I can for my family and to work for a Native American tribe. My teaching goal is to help inspire Native American children to reach their full potentials and continue on into higher education. I also want to incorporate my love of sciences into my teaching and open up children’s eyes to the possibilities, creativity, exploration and opportunities that science brings.

I am super excited now to have the opportunity working as the Sustainability Outreach Event Planner Intern. I will be working with Laundi Keepseagle who has the same position and our supervisor is Kate Flick. This internship is perfect for me because it gives me the opportunity to reach the community through science, technology, engineering, and math. The audiences we are planning to reach are K – 12 students, CMN and the broader community.

Planning these events is very exciting because there are so many possibilities. My personal goals for this internship are to build my creativity for my future teaching career. I also want to inspire people to be more interested in science and to help people connect with nature. A lot of children do not know all of the possibilities of science careers and the more awareness we put out there, the more educational success our community will have.

AASHE Experience

College of Menominee Nation representatives attended the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) conference in Los Angeles, California earlier this week!  CMN President, Dr. Verna Fowler, and two staff from the Sustainable Development Institute (Julie Edler and Kate Flick) attended.

In a candid interview with the two SDI staff, hear what Kate Flick and Julie Edler have to say about the experience:

So, what is AASHE?

It's the biggest campus sustainability conference in North America. It is an excellent way to get a grasp of what exciting initiatives are taking place on campuses around the nation. We attended sessions, gathered some new ideas and contacts, and are ready to head back to Keshena, Wisconsin with a new energy and some great projects to implement. Not to mention, guests at the conference heard about the College of Menominee Nation and learned about Menominee's model of sustainability. It was a great place to meet new people, learn, and share ideas.

What was the best part?
There were so many great aspects, it's hard to narrow it down to one "best part."  I have a bunch of key takeaways from a few different sessions.

Like what? What were the sessions like?
One presentation focused on developing campus sustainability tours. Since SDI is in the process of making one, it provided us with a few ideas. They highlighted how important it is to have communications and marketing in line with the school and reminded us that branding shouldn't be forgotten. They had their tour available to look at and QR codes to scan to see ideas for facts, information, and videos on their campus sustainability efforts.

Some AASHE workshops focused on enrichment workshops for health in relation to sustainability. We learned how important and helpful it is to interweave health and reflection throughout all areas of sustainability whether it be with the community, interns, or even within our own staff.

We've got other great processes to implement about working with students and interns at the Sustainable Development Institute. We learned new ways to train, evaluate, and help our students get the best experience they can. In addition, another session about "Trends in Sustainability and Education" as well as another session on preparing interns for the workforce highlighted new ways SDI can make the intern program better.

That's just a tidbit of the information from the conference. There is much more that we have to bring back. A special workshop on Wednesday highlighted how to build a better "Community of Practice." It taught us the importance of trained and experienced leadership skills and included ideas how to better communicate what's happening in a moment and where direction is headed.

Also, SDI has some workshops in motion and we got some great ideas and training how to better run them. SDI also has an idea for the possibility of doing a film festival, so we got some great contacts and facts about sustainability film festivals and how to go about doing that.

What's the weather like?
Beautiful! We really can't complain!

Julie Edler and Kate Flick will be back on campus on Monday and look forward to it!

"How-To" Save Tomato Seeds

Have you ever wondered how to save your own tomato seeds? CMN SDI Education Coordinator Kate Flick wrote a fun poem to teach you how! 

A Poem For You: An Experiment To Do!   All On Seed Saving...."Tomato Craving!"




First thing that you do is pick your tomato favorite; Cut it wright open and sort the slimy seeds out of it.


Next what you do is put the seeds in a cup and with some fresh water, fill it right up.


For a week, let it sit, to scum and to bubble, To help kill and ferment the seed-disease trouble.


Then swipe away that bubbly gunk, Sieve the seeds, rinse them off till they're clear of that funk.


Put them on plate or on paper to dry them in the air, Turn them every while to be sure they're real dry fare.


Put them in an envelope for simple seed saving, Thats all it takes to fulfill a healthy tomato craving.


For you save them now till spring of next year, and you'll be able to grow your own tomatear!

Nutrition facts:
VITAMIN C: strenththens the immune system
VITAMIN A: promotes healthy vision, bones, and skin
ANTIOXIDANTS: Prevent aging and diseases

USDA Representatives Visit CMN with Opportunity Information

On September 5, College of Menominee Nation met with visiting USDA representatives Stephanie Koziski and Lavina (Vinnie) Panizo to learn about student opportunities for internships and employment in the public sector. The USDA offers both a Pathways and Tribal Scholars program for enrolled Tribal members or students in Tribal colleges."We need indigenous knowledge in the USDA," said Koziski.

Koziski suggested that although many programs have a math and sciences focus, students with any background of study are encouraged to apply. She encouraged students to "follow your hearts" and apply for anything that sounds interesting. "You don't know what you're missing until you've tried," noted Panizo,  "You get to see it and bring it back to your community."

Alongside job experience, the programs offer extensive leadership training. "Many students find their voice," said Koziski. The programs offer opportunities for real-life experience with the potential to carry on to full-time jobs anywhere in the United States. Students have many options to do short-term or long-term commitments with various programs. "There's a lot of stuff you don't know till you throw your name in the hat," said Panizo.

Students are encouraged to send Stephanie Koziski an "I'm Interested" e-mail at stephanie.koziski@osc.usda.gov. As Koziski noted, "You have nothing to loose!"

More information can be found on the USDA's website. Check out www.usda.gov and click around the "Mission Areas" for opportunities.

The Future of Energy at College of Menominee Nation

On August 23, 2012, Environmental Defense Fund’s Climate Corps Fellow Sarah Jeglum gave a presentation about “The Future of Energy on the CMN Campus.” Twenty four attendees heard Sarah’s recommendations, discussed future projects, shared ideas, and asked questions about her work over the summer of 2012. Jeglum worked with the College of Menominee Nation to identify energy efficiency projects and begin developing a long-term energy management plan for the Keshena campus. The Environmental Defense Fund's Climate Corps program places trained MBA and MPA fellows into companies, cities, and universities to identify and analyze energy efficiency investments that can both reduce costs and energy use in buildings.

SDI Interim Director Dean Fellman introduced Jeglum saying she has served as a strong asset in the Sustainable Development Institute. Jeglum gave an overview of the project and highlighted CMN’s commitment to be a climate-neutral campus. Jeglum cited dedication for carbon neutrality and energy independence in keeping with the more than 12,000-year-old tribal value of sustainability. “We are looking how to move forward with energy goals from today,” said Jegulm, “It’s important we have these far-reaching goals for the future.”

Jeglum stressed the importance of developing a plan and getting a CMN energy team together. “It’s very important to have the structure of the energy plan in place,” noted Jeglum. “I recommend you start with a team and plan and move forward with that.” Jegulm said that CMN has the resources available to do so and encouraged presentation attendees to be proactive about the energy team.

There are many ways in which CMN can cut down its energy use. Jeglum recommended monitoring successes or failures. “Set energy saving goals” said Jeglum. She also stated that although CMN may be a small campus, it is still important to focus on energy. “We can be successful even on a small-scale,” she said.

Jegulm went on to point out specific projects CMN can implement on campus to make the campus more efficient. Projects included installing motion sensors, switching out old light fixtures, and more energy-saving initiatives across all facets of campus energy. “No matter what kind of energy it is, we want to be putting that in an efficient energy machine” she stated.  Jeglum continued to explain that just as you wouldn’t put premium gasoline in an old vehicle, CMN needs to implement specific action items by paying most attention to projects that will produce resourceful results.

College of Menominee Nation is the first Tribal College to host a Climate Corps Fellow. CMN President Verna Fowler noted that this energy action illustrates our commitment to sustainability and commended Jeglum on her work for Climate Corps and CMN.

Both Sarah Jeglum and Dr. Fowler expressed enthusiasm for getting the information out and getting community members and students informed.  “It’s exciting for me to have it be a campus where you can get students involved” said Jeglum. Dr. Fowler recommended spreading the importance and benefits of energy saving out to the community, perhaps in the form of workshops.

College of Menominee Nation thanks Sarah Jeglum and the Climate Corps for the dedication over the summer of 2012. The Sustainable Development Institute plans to use Jeglum’s information to assist in planning future goals and directions.

Tribal Youth Intern Program Fall 2012

Student Conservation Association -- US Fish & Wildlife Service

Tribal Youth Intern Program Fall 2012

SCA and the US Fish and Wildlife Service have 3 new expense paid internships designed to provide students with Native American and Alaskan Native heritage the opportunity to learn more about conservation science, management, and career options through projects at national wildlife refuges.

Available Internships

            Resource Management Intern

            Huron Wetlands Management District, Huron, SD

(August 6 to October 28, 2012) 

Environmental Education Internship

Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Brigham City, UT

(August 27 to November 11, 2012)

Resource Management Internship

National Bison Range Wildlife Refuge, Moiese, MT

(September 3 to November 25, 2012)

The Details

• 12 week positions
• At US Fish and Wildlife Service Refuges in South Dakota, Utah and Montana
• Weekly living allowance of $150
• Free housing and reimbursement for roundtrip transportation provided
• Potential AmeriCorps Education Award  ($1,200)
• Must be 18 or older.
• Be available Fall 2012

Application Process

Email your name, address, phone number and College/University to:  SCArecruiting@thesca.org with the subject “USFWS Tribal Intern Program”.  Or you may call me and I will coach you through the online application process.

If you would like more information, please contact Mike Dockry or the Sustainable Development Institute. (715-799-6226)

POSOH Summer Sustainability Club Wrapping Up

The POSOH summer sustainability club has been busy all summer long doing sustainable related projects. They have harvested sweet grass, worked on an app development for a CMN sustainable-related tour, planted crops in the garden, assisted in POSOH development, and MANY MANY more projects. Come to the CMN Keshena campus Wednesday, August 1, at 4:30 to have some pizza, talk with the group, and see what they've been up to! The friends and family day goes from 4:30-6 and will be located either by the water tower or the volleyball courts. There will be games, prizes, and tye-dying, so be sure to bring a white T or socks to tye-dye!

Harvesting sweet grass

 Gardening with Lloyd

Andean Guests Visit College of Menominee Nation

On Friday, June 22^nd, a group of Indigenous Leaders visiting from South America met with the College of Menominee Nation and Menominee Tribal Leaders. Through the US Forest Service, College of Menominee Nation welcomed the visitors who were on a nation-wide tour discussing indigenous natural resource management. Their visit with College of Menominee Nation fostered dialogue between South American indigenous groups and the Menominee. 

On Thursday, June 21^st, the group participated in a campfire organized by Kate Flick, SDI Education Coordinator, in conjunction with a community service project group, Young Leaders in Action. The focus of the campfire was on community service and taking care of the earth..Through engaging performances, folk singer Skip Jones played songs about the importance of water and water quality. The Indigenous guests, in their Native languages, thanked the high school group for working toward a better world and generously presented gifts as a thank you.

In Friday morning’s discussion, Dr. Fowler welcomed the visitors to the College of Menominee Nation and John Teller discussed Menominee Culture and history. Dr. Fowler highlighted the importance of having control of your own knowledge and noted: “One of the biggest changes you can do is take control of your education." 

“I think about the values that have helped the Menominee people through the years,” said Dr. Fowler who also commented on the importance of educating students in Menominee respect and hospitality. Following the conversation, a community lunch was served. In the evening, many of those in attendance visited Lakewood Ranger District and Archibald Lake Cultural Heritage Site.

Pictured above is the group at the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest visiting a culturally-significant historical site. Archaeologists have physical evidence to show that this was once a Menominee garden. Questions were raised about who "owns" this land and how relationships evolve between the National Forest Service, the Menominee, and other influencers concerning historical sites such as this one. Overall, the nation-wide study tour served to help indigenous leaders learn about and share information on sustainable forestry management, tribal resource management, tribal and US government relations, and how tribes think about and manage for climate change. 

Above: Dr. Mike Dockry at Archibald Lake

Above: Archibald Lake

Through an agreement with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the US Forest Service is providing technical assistance to Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru through the Initiative for Conservation for the Andean Amazon. Areas of technical assistance proposed in the current work plan include reduced impact logging, watershed management, protected area management, climate change vulnerability assessment, and indigenous exchange. 

Layered Bed Near CMN Greenhouse - by Lloyd Frieson

Layered Bed

     In this particular area we exercised layering newspapers, weed tops, top soil, compost and manure. We began prepping this area by clearing away all of the weeds and grass. Second, we soaked the ground really good before laying the newspaper on the wet soil. Third we cut the roots from the weeds and began placing the weed tops on the newspaper. Laying out the weed tops evenly will ensure equal soil distribution. Next is a four inch soil and compost mix. Level out the soil to the best of your ability or to your plan and have your starter plants ready for bedding. The best time to transfer plants is in the morning or evening, when the sun is not as hot or at its peak. Doing this will reduce the strain on the plants as you begin to introduce them to their new home. Once you have placed the plants where you want them, make sure to water them to give them a sort of boost.

Plants in the bed consist of Yellow Sweet Corn, Mohawk Beans and 1,000 year old Squash.

In the dark brown area in front of the bed is a row of carrots 

About Deidre and the Water Quality Internship

My name is Deidre Ann Wolfe.  I am 29 years old and the proud mother of an amazing and beautiful girl named Nevaeh Boyd and the significant other of Jerred Caldwell. I am also a member of the Lac Courte Orellies Ojibwe Nation.  I have obtained associates’ degrees in pre-nursing and biological sciences from College of Menominee Nation (CMN) and am currently working on a bachelor’s degree in education.  My current goals and intentions for my educational journey are to provide the best life I can for my family and to work for a Native American tribe.  My teaching goal is to help inspire Native American children to reach their full potentials and continue on into higher education.  I also want to incorporate my love of sciences into my teaching and open up children’s eyes to the possibilities, creativity, exploration and opportunities that science brings. 

Continuing on with my education has opened many new doors, challenges, successes and triumphs into my life.  I am honored and appreciative of the fact that my newest educational opportunity was receiving a summer internship through the CMN Sustainable Development Institute.  I was granted the Water Summit intern position.  This position is the second half of an internship that was initially completed by Ben White in 2010.   Ben helped coordinate and plan the Great Lakes Land Grant Tribal Water Resources Summit. The purpose of the summit was to: identify priority tribal water resource issues of the Great Lakes Area Tribal communities, develop collaborations to address the priority issues, and to increase the understanding of potential resources to address the issues and increase the understanding of the cultural importance of water to tribal communities.  In addition to the summit, Ben also conducted a Great Lakes Tribal Water Resources Inquiry in order to, according to the Great Lakes Tribal Water Resources Inquiry Executive Summary, “obtain information that related to water resource issues and determine appropriate paths to develop relationships between the 1862 Land Grant institutions and Tribal Colleges as well as leverage research resources to address water resource issues and improve tribal water quality.”  I now have the privilege of working alongside Ben to complete the second half of the Water Summit internship.  We will be researching and compiling information of water resource related materials pertaining to local Native American communities to promote a better understanding Tribal water quality issues.  We will create a research poster and presentation of our findings combined with information from the Great Lakes Land Grant Tribal Water Resources Summit and the Great Lakes Tribal Resources Inquiry.  We will then travel to the Leech Lake reservation in Minnesota and the Bay Mills Tribal/Community College in Michigan to present our information obtained.

My personal goals for this internship are in the areas of Community involvement, public speaking and learning more about water quality from a Native American Community perspective.  I am looking forward to stepping out of my comfort zone to build up my communication skills and become more confident in my public speaking.  I also want to become more involved with in environmental issues in my community, and this is a remarkable way to introduce myself to the coordination, planning and presentation of issues important to Native communities.  I am also excited to learn everything I can from Ben White and everyone in the Sustainable Development Institute.  I appreciate this opportunity and know it will be an amazing experience.

About Ben and the Water Quality Internship

Pictured: Ben White talking with Arthur "Butch" Blazer, Deputy Under Secretary, USDA

Photo captured 06-06-12

My name is Benjamin White, l am a decedent of both the Menominee and Stockbridge Munsee. I am currently studying nursing, and would like to finish my degrees in biological and physical science, and sustainable development after completing the nursing degree. I enjoy gardening, sailing, skiing, boating, volleyball, and playing with my basset retriever.  Last year I had the privilege to travel to china and study mandarin for a month, this opportunity offered me the chance to observe how other cultures view and utilize their environment as well the challenges they face. This trip also provided firsthand knowledge of geography’s impact on cultures.

My expectations for the internship are to use the information collected at the summit to deliver water resource information in a culturally pertinent format. I expect to research and compile information on the tribal water resource issues identified at the summit, and develop management and educational material through the lens of the local tribal cultures. Native people realize their lives as being connect closely to the world around them.  I anticipate this knowledge will bring exciting challenges and insightful epiphanies.

My goal of the internship is to have a beneficial impact on the knowledge base of youth and adult tribal community members as it pertains to their water resource needs. My goal for the communities is to understand more about how water is impacted by the actions of humans and how that translates to the everyday activities of those who interact with it. A goal for me is to learn more about the best practices in educating other native people in the field of science. It is my view native persons instinctually view the world in a more holistically and thereby will benefit from educational material developed in this format.

I foresee this internship encompassing further research-identified water resource concerns and developing appropriate curricula for tribal communities. My other responsibilities will include working wand sharing information with the other intern Deidre Wolfe. I am excited to work with Deidre to learn more about traditional ecological knowledge and have the chance to share the information I have had the privilege to learn. I am also excited to have the opportunity to visit other tribal communities and gain firsthand knowledge of these geographic areas and attributes of these areas effects on the environment.

About Lloyd and the Gardening Assistant Internship

     Hello, my name is Lloyd Frieson, aka Boobie. I was born in Chicago, IL in 1970 and was raised in Mobile, AL from 1976 until 2004. In 2004 I moved to the Menominee Reservation to get away from the humid heat and mostly this is my mother’s home. I began gardening at the age of twelve years old and have been doing it since. My father’s father was the one who introduced gardening into my life. He would come by every Saturday morning and it was expected that the grand children help in the family garden. I did not want to go work the garden the first year but my father was pretty strict about following the orders of your elders. After awhile the plants began to sprout and bloom and something inside of me lit up spiritually.

     Receiving this internship for the summer is a great opportunity to try different methods of gardening and finding out new information on growing crops. One of my projects I am now working on is maximizing the least amount of area to raise crops. I have made a twenty foot strip by one foot wide and have planted corn, squash, beans and peas. Soon I will introduce some sunflower plants and some herbs into that same area utilizing the total area for foods. My ambitions will be that this area of 20’x1’ will create a wall of vegetation. I am also working on another project that will involve the high school students and clearing out the CMN design by the water tower. I will also be traveling to the Oneida farm and gathering information on how they are sustaining their crop yield. As I understand I am to work while I am there to get some hands on experience which will be great. These are considered valuable teachings and I will treat them as such. The Creator has gifted me this opportunity to be the best I can be. I will also like to talk to some elders on how gardening was back in the earlier times and document those meetings for reference. I would like to thank the SDI board for giving me this opportunity to grow in a field that I am really passionate about.

Internship Opp: Invasive Specie Research and Control Project

INTERNSHIP TITLE:          Invasive Specie Research and Control Project SUPERVISOR:                      Center for First American Forestlands Director LOCATION:                          College of Menominee Nation Sustainable Development Institute Keshena Campus                                                INTERNSHIP SUMMARY: CMN Sustainable Development Institute is in the midst of several exciting projects and is constantly working to expand and improve our sustainability efforts. The focus of this student research opportunity is on research, surveying, monitoring, and control of select invasive species including garlic mustard, butternut canker, beech bark disease, and European earthworms. The resources developed and information synthesized will be used to assess the effects of the presence invasives on forest development, health, productivity and patterns in regeneration across a number of community types.  The intern will work with the Sustainable Development Institute, Menominee Tribal Enterprises and U.W. Platteville. INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION: Internship covers a wide range of activities.  Duties include, but are not limited to: ·         Conduct research on traditional and emerging views on the effects of invasive species on mixed northern hardwood forest ecosystems, particularly related to nutrient cycles and understory plant diversity (primary emphasis will be on earthworm research) ·         Develop a general understanding of using dendrochronology (science of tree rings) for analysis ·         Develop a basic understanding of GPS functions, use, and research applications ·         Conduct field work in the Menominee Forest ·         Conduct lab work and poster development at UW Platteville ·         Give presentations on research activities at multiple locations including CMN, UW Platteville, Madison, WI and California or Oregon  ·         Develop media including photography, video, and social networking(blogging) about activities ·         Assist in organizing  research related events ·         Assist in preparing research findings and recommendations reports ·         Assist with research and special projects as assigned.  Perform other duties and assigned. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS: ·          Current College Student.  (College of Menominee Nation student preferred) ·          Interest in forest ecology, environmental issues, sustainability topics ·          Computer proficiency (MS Word, Excel, Access) a plus. ·          Ability to work and perform physical tasks related to field work data collection TIMEFRAME AND SALARY: The internship is from June 6, 2012 to August 1, 2012.  Starting and ending dates are flexible to accommodate the intern’s schedule, but field and lab work will occur between the dates listed. .  The internship is for $12.00 per hour for approximately 32 hours per week.   APPLICATION PROCESS: Submit a completed application, resume and letter of interest addressing your reasons for wanting the internship, your goals, and the skills you would bring to the internship. Submit application material in person to College of Menominee Nation Sustainable Development Institute, attention Maggie Escalante, Glen Miller Hall Room 215 or email application material to mgescalante@menominee.edu Internship application material is due by Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at NOON. No late applications will be accepted. If you have questions about the position, please contact Dean Fellman at 715-799-6226 ext. 3267 or at dfellman@menominee.edu         ________________________________________________________________________________ The application deadline is Tuesday May 29, 2012.

STUDENT SUMMER INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY