Manoomin, Zizani aquatica, wild rice… the symbolic grain of the North. Wild rice has been a significant food source for the people who have inhabited the Great Lakes region for centuries and who have harvested this annual grain generation after generation. After an overview of wild rice harvesting, students will spend the first day carving their own set of rice knocking sticks from locally harvested white cedar. On day two students will travel to a local ricing bed for a day of harvesting. Day three will be spent processing the harvested grain using a blend of traditional and modern techniques. Each student will go home with a small amount of finished rice. Participants must have some paddling experience.

You will need the following tools for this class:

tandem canoe, lifejacket and paddle
MN Department of Natural Resources wild rice harvester's license (www.dnr.state.mn.us)  This can be purchased during class or at any state licensing agency.   A one-day license per student (for Day 2) of the course is sufficient (resident or non-resident.)
gloves
bandana for neck protection
sunglasses/ safety glasses with side shields for eye protection
change of clothing
outdoor clothing including boots, raingear, warm OR cold weather gear
day pack
water
bag lunch (Day 2 only)

small cooler or improvised canoe seat
wild ricing pole with fork or duckbill