The image shows a tied section of Manoomin (wild rice) on Rice Lake. The practice of tying rice stalks protects ripe seeds from the wind - allowing for more harvest - and facilitates even ripening across individuals. The cultural importance of Manoomin is of community, self-reliance, and food sovereignty. All four elements work together for Manoomin as a food source - it is parched with fire, winnowed with wind, grown in earth and water. Manoomin is our relation, and by working with it we honour that generational responsibility.
