Suitability Mapping of Manoomin in the St. Joseph and Kalamazoo Watersheds of Michigan

Date of Award

4-2025

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Geography

First Advisor

Lucius F. Hallett, IV, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Dee Sherwood, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Kathleen Baker, Ph.D.

Keywords

Indigenous, Manoomin, MaxEnt, restoration, suitability, wild rice

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Abstract Only

Restricted to Campus until

4-1-2027

Abstract

Indigenous peoples of America have maintained a relationship with the land we walk on for generations. One of the natural resources that was and continues to be vital to communities is “Manoomin” (ma – no – min) or Wild Rice. This grain grows in the rivers and lakes of the Great Lakes Region. Native American tribes have many reasons to care for Manoomin; in addition to the nutritional value, the grain is rich with cultural knowledge, the concept of food sovereignty, and economic welfare. Harvesting of Manoomin dates to pre-contact of the Europeans in the continent, yet the grain has been diminishing in its range, putting the vitality of some communities, and their culture, at stake. This thesis focuses on two main goals: To identify and set the precedent of working with Tribal entities when doing research on cultural topics through keeping a close relationship with their communities to ensure that sensitive information remains within the confines of the tribal entity, and secondly; Test the efficacy of ArcGIS Pro MaxEnt modeling software with point data of Manoomin beds recorded throughout the season of growth to produce insight on the climatic variables influencing Manoomin and future suitability maps. These maps of Manoomin may highlight locations where the species is most apt to grow and reproduce within the watersheds Southwest of Michigan. Effective modeling can influence decision making on environmental protection and cultural preservation within the policies of the larger state of Michigan.

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS