Manoomin Curriculum

What is the Manoomin Curriculum Project?

The Manoomin curriculum is a Grade 1-12 curriculum that connects with the Ontario elementary and secondary curricula. It was developed under the leadership of Dr. Katie Tremblay in her Indigenous Education course at Trent University. The curriculum was created by Indigenous and non-Indigenous Year 1 and 2 Teacher Candidates in the 2021-2022 course, with guidance from an advisory circle of Manoomin Knowledge Keeper including Jeff Beaver (Alderville FN), Daemin Whetung (CLFN), Lorenzo Whetung (CLFN), Jack Hoggarth (CLFN) and Heidi Burns (Lakefield, Trent MA in Sustainability). The curriculum was presented by the teacher candidates to the manoomin Knowledge Keepers in February and March, 2022.

Why Manoomin?

Manoomin, popularly called wild rice, is a nutritious grain that grows in the waters of the Kawartha Lakes region. The cultivation and harvesting of manoomin is a constitutionally-protected inherent right of Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg, however recent ecological and social developments have impacted these practices. The rising Trent-Severn Waterway, industrialized agriculture run-off along the lake shores, shoreline development, problems with septic tanks, increased motor boat traffic, poisoning, dredging and the introduction of foreign aquatic plants and fish species into the lakes are some of the main threats against this keystone species. There have also been ongoing conflicts with lakeshore residents over Indigenous rights to Manoomin cultivation, particularly as it relates to boating and recreational uses of the lakes by non-Indigenous residents and cottage owners. The Manoomin curriculum is designed to address the cultural and ecological significance of this keystone species to the local area and address the relevant socio-economic issues associated with this plant.

Contact

For general inquiries, please contact Project Coordinator, Dr. Katie Tremblay.