- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
Anishinaabe people have used northern white-cedar wood and bark for centuries to create cultural items such as birchbark canoes and ceremonial mats. But climate change and overharvesting has caused a decline in Giizhik in recent years, the tribe said.
On Feb. 13, the tribe announced updates to its Tribal Code that will ensure the sustainable harvest of Giizhik trees.
“Giizhik trees are sacred, elder beings to our Anishinaabe nation, which provide teachings, medicine, and essential habitat for other plants and wildlife,” said Sault Tribe Chairman Austin Lowes in a statement. “It’s important that we stop the abuse of Giizhik trees in our region and promote sustainable harvest practices for future generations.”
Under the new law, tribal members must obtain a permit before collecting Giizhik bark from tribal or public land. Legal harvesting under the updated Code is designed to protect and honor Giizhik trees and to maintain good harvesting relationships in future generations, according to the tribe.
More Stories Like This
Navajo Nation Urges Biden to Halt Uranium Transportation Through Its LandsNavajo Nation Agreement to Settle All Water Rights Claims in Arizona
Biden Expands Two National Monuments in California by 120,000 Acres
Sault Tribe Joins the Fight for Mother Nature’s Legal Rights with New Resolution
Former NCAI President Fawn Sharp Appointed to Nature Conservancy Board
These stories must be heard.
This May, we are highlighting our coverage of Indian boarding schools and their generational impact on Native families and Native communities. Giving survivors of boarding schools and their descendants the opportunity to share their stories is an important step toward healing — not just because they are speaking, but because they are being heard. Their stories must be heard. Help our efforts to make sure Native stories and Native voices are heard in 2024. Please consider a recurring donation to help fund our ongoing coverage of Indian boarding schools. Donate to Native News Online today and support independent Indigenous-centered journalism. Thank you.
