From Hunting to Harvesting: "the food that grows on water"

The different tribes of the Ojibwa nation who now inhabit the shores of Lakes Ontario, Erie and Simcoe, originally came from the great western lakes, Huron and Superior.
Traditional oral history indicates that the early Ojibwas planted corn and used canoes, overland trails and sled dogs.

However, the acculturation of the Ojibwa took some time. Cultural preferences and tradition were still very strong when they first encountered the European convenience of farming and harvesting. Most of them resisted those changes since there was no economic urge to adapt, but some were more willing to experience this new way of life (especially single men and women).

Eventually, they made the move, sometimes reported as a successful one.

“The Lake Simcoe Ojibwa were doing extremely well in their transition from food gatherers to sedentary farmers...” [Schmalz, Peter S, 145]

But the constant arrival of European population during the 19th century forced several tribes to move again. Their hunting grounds were getting smaller and smaller, now covered by white settlements.

Ultimately, they were directed to places where farming was not a viable solution considering the natural environment and resources.
As the Chief of the Lake Simcoe Ojibwa, Joseph Sawyer (Kawahjegezhewabe) put it:

“Now we raise our own corn, potatoes, wheat; we have cattle, many comforts, and convenience. But if we go to Maneetoolin, we could not live; soon we should be extinct as a people; we could raise no potatoes, corn, pork, or beef; nothing would grown by putting the seed on the smooth rock.” [Schmalz, Peter S, 145]

After their final move, the Ojibwa started growing wild rice, ‘the food that grows on water’. Perpetuating this culture of harvesting wild rice for centuries, it became an essential food in the tribe’s diet, also used as a medicine. 'Ricing' is so central to the Ojibwa that it became a part of the tribe's founding myth : “the creator told the tribe to seek out the place where food grows on the water.” [Wilcox, Lauren]

More than just convenient rice, it also became a source of revenue for the Ojibwa and helped them to financially survive and participate in the modern American life (e.g.: pay for school). “Each autumn, several hundred Ojibwa harvest more than 50,000 pounds of wild rice, selling most of it to local mills” [Wilcox, Lauren]

Like most of the tribe’s practices, the harvesting of wild rice was ritualized and obeyed to centuries of old tradition.

“In northern Minnesota, on lakes on the lands, harvesters, two per canoe, pole through thick clusters of wild rice plants growing along the marshy shores. One stands in the stern like a gondolier; the other sits midships and uses a pair of carved cedar "knocking" sticks to sweep the tall grasses over the bow. The rice, still in its hull, falls into the boat with a soft patter.” [Wilcox, Lauren]

Nowadays, wild rice harvest is still a tradition for Ojibwa’s descendants.
“Ojibwa wild rice is one of the only five U.S. products supported by the Slow Food Foundation for Biodiversity, an international organization based in Italy that aims to preserve traditional or artisan foods. “[Wilcox, Lauren]

However, the modern society and its constant desire for efficiency conflict with the traditional tribe’s ways. The University of Minnesota has conducted genetic research on wild rice that raised some concerns within the Ojibwa community. The descendants are worried about the survival of their tradition and the economic impact of such researches.

Even though, the University of Minnesota researchers try to promote the benefits of their work:
“The more the native community understands about modern science and genomic, the more that community will be happy with the research.”[Laduke, Winona, 28]
Most of the community disagree and negotiate to put an end to those researches.

“The Anishinaabeg community remains hopeful that the University of Minnesota will bring ethics into its relationships with indigenous people and others in the new millennium, to stop destructive patters of research, and work toward a positive future for all children.” [Laduke, Winona, 29]