The objective of this program is to help federally recognized tribes navigate and access DOE funding and technical assistance opporunities by amplifying DOE messaging and creative effective engagement opportunities for member tribes.  The purpose is to build long-lasting effective working relationships with tribal elected leaders, key staff, and DOE trough partnering with Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan, Inc. to establish channels of communication and education between Indian Energy, tribes, and energy-related communities.

For more details and questions on the program contact Jenna Killips at jkillips@itcmi.org

The Michigan Wild Rice Initiative is a collaboration between the twelve federally recognized Anishinaabe nations that share geography with the state of Michigan and several Michigan state agencies. Since 2017 this group of managers and specialists has worked together to protect, preserve and restore Manoomin and its culture for the benefit of current and future generations. Co-chaired by a state and Tribal representative, the Michigan Wild Rice Initiative also has sub-committees to address education and outreach, monitoring and restoration, and policy and protection and draws members from both the Initiative and federal agencies, conservation NGOs, colleges and universities.

As part of this work, they released We all live together in a good way with Manoomin: Stewardship Guide in 2025. This document is different from similar documents because it includes ways of conveying important information through traditional stories and Anishinaabe-centered language. It prioritizes an Anishinaabe perspective because they are the original people to enjoy relationship with Manoomin. Some may find the language and ideas in the document come from a world view that they, as readers from a western perspective, might not recognize or understand. 

“Don’t take the document in one sitting,” says Roger LaBine, Manoomin Chief of the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. “It was a document drafted with input by many and captures the heart of the whole group. It outlines well what the goals and objectives should be and where we need to go. There’s a lot of knowledge that needs to be digested, absorbed and thought about.”

When making decisions, our Anishinaabeg ancestors thought about the impact their decision and planning would have seven generations ahead. It is a cultural practice that has helped preserved our language and traditional wisdom despite war and overwhelming historical challenges and barriers, some of which still affect us today and are largely the reason for the work we do in partnership with tribal communities.

Remembering that Childhood is Sacred keeps children at the heart of our communities and ensures a bright healthy future, many generations ahead. The period of childhood (0-8 years) is a foundational period of tremendous growth and development. It is the stage of life for learning and setting healthy practices. In addition, our elders tell us that every child is born with a unique gift important to maintaining balance in the community and as adults we are all charged with ensuring that every child is supported and nurtured in a manner that ensures their wellbeing. We want to see that every child’s gifts blossom.