The Great Lakes region is home to a special kind of plant that has provided sustainable nourishment to the body and spirit of the Anishinaabeg people for generations. In the shallow inland lakes and streams that populate Midwestern states, Northern wild rice—known as manoomin to the Ojibwe—emerges through the freshwater to be harvested.

On Wednesday, Oct. 22, from 4-6:30 p.m., the Native American Student Association (NASA) hosted a rice seminar in the Jacobetti Innovation Hall that taught attendees the Ojibwe method of planting, harvesting and cooking the crop.

A tradition dating back centuries, the foraging of wild rice remains a staple of Anishinaabeg culture. Typically harvested from late August through early September, the process involves a non-invasive cultivation technique in which two individuals navigate a canoe through the tall rice. The person in front propels the canoe forward with a long pole, while the person in back gathers the rice using two cedar knocking sticks—one pulls the stalk toward the canoe and the other gives two gentle taps to knock the grain into the boat.

Led by Donald Chosa and Carlene Chosa, members of the Ojibwe Nation, the event served as a demonstration of traditional Ojibwe harvesting techniques and emphasized the significance the practice holds for the Anishinaabeg people.

In addition to explaining the steps of gathering and cooking, Donald and Carlene shared stories from past harvests. Attendees were also invited to share their own stories, reflecting the important role oral tradition continues to play in Anishinaabeg culture.

NASA president and one of the seminar’s organizers, Chris Shawa, spoke on the importance of recognizing the presence and traditions of Ojibwe peoples.

“It is important that students are aware of what’s around them,” Shawa said. “Whose land it originally was—to honor and recognize that we are still here.”

Also in attendance was actress and filmmaker Kaniehtiio Horn, a member of the Canadian First Nations. Horn recently appeared alongside actors Ethan Hawke and Peter Dinklage in the Hulu series “The Lowdown,” portraying Samantha—Hawke’s character’s ex-wife—as well as in the hit show “Reservation Dogs,” as Deer Lady.

Horn attended the event in support of NASA and to premiere her directorial debut, “Seeds,” which combines comedy and horror—arriving just in time for the spooky season. As an active member and representative of the Canadian First Nations, Horn emphasized the importance of preserving the cultural heritage and voices of Indigenous peoples.

For those who were unable to attend the wild rice seminar, NASA will host a powwow in November, where all are welcome to learn and participate in Ojibwe traditions. For more information on NASA, Anishinaabeg culture or upcoming events, contact Chris Shawa at [email protected].