LSFN Hosts Manoomin Gathering

Students from Lakehead University visited Lac Seul First Nation September 15-17, 2026 to take part in the Manoomin Gathering

The purpose of the gathering is to restore manoomin in communities and the traditional practices as well as future legislation to protect the species in the area.

Gatherings took place at all three schools in the communities, starting in Kejick Bay, then Whitefish Bay, and ending in Frenchman’s Head.

Students were able to participate in manoomin processing techniques such as gaapizige (parching), and baawishkam (dancing) as well as getting to eat the end products. Students tried boiled manoomin as well as popped, topped with berries.

Sylvia Davis, Education Director for Lac Seul Education Authority, commented that it was really good for the children to see the work that goes into it and take pride in participating.

Participants also learnt about knocking sticks, the traditional way of collecting the manoomin, and were able to create their own. On the final day, they set out in canoes to get up close and personal with the manoomin growing in the area.