Mandaamin Celebration unites community through corn traditions and wellness
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EmailPresented by Bay Mills Health Center, Bay Mills Community College, and MSU Extension, the event showed how integrating cultural education and health promotion can foster a sense of community and resilience.
On Saturday, April 12, 2025, Waishkey Bay Farm hosted the Mandaamin (corn) Celebration, a collaborative event presented by Bay Mills Health Center, Bay Mills Community College, and Michigan State University Extension. More than 25 participants engaged in cultural traditions, hands-on workshops, and discussions centered on food sovereignty and community health.
“Events like these are important to share with people from our community, as well as the Anishinaabe people, so we can keep our traditions alive," said Traci Kangas, Bay Mills Health Center community health supervisor. “Many chronic diseases that affect the indigenous population have a higher chance of prevention when we eat in similar ways to those of our ancestors before colonization. Offering workshops that both educate and demonstrate the food preparation techniques of our ancestors will help to ensure the next seven generations do not lose this knowledge.”
The Mandaamin Celebration exemplified how integrating cultural education and health promotion can foster a sense of community and resilience.
“This celebration was an opportunity to reconnect with traditional teachings and promote wellness through traditional foods,” said Rachel Butzin, MSU Extension health educator. “By learning about corn’s cultural significance and practical uses, participants strengthened their ties to the land and each other.”
The event included a hominy-making demonstration led by Jeanette White, an Anishinaabe elder from Ontario who lives in the Bay Mills community. Participants also crafted rainbow corn tortillas with Waishkey Bay farm manager Kat Jacques and, guided by Butzin, created corn husk dolls using husks harvested from the farm. A traditional lunch showcased a variety of Mandaamin-inspired recipes, emphasizing corn's nutritional and cultural importance.
"Bay Mills Community College and Bay Mills Health Center work together to host events like the Mandaamin Celebration because we know that strong relationships with traditional foods support community and individual health," said Jacques.
Waishkey Bay Farm has other upcoming events celebrating traditional foods and promoting food sovereignty, including "Wiisinidaa Mnomiijim (Let’s eat good food) Getting to know Zesabiig (Nettles)" on May 12, 2025 from 5:00-7:00 p.m.
For information on future events and programs, contact Rachel Butzin at dennisr2@msu.edu or 989-854-6612.
