LANSING, Mich. — A bill that would make wild rice Michigan's official "state native grain," HB 4852, is expected to be signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer after passing both the House and Senate.
The bill's passing is especially significant as its potential signing comes in November, which is Native American Heritage Month.
Wild rice is known as Manoomin in the Anishinaabemowin language and is considered to be one of the most culturally significant plant species among the Great Lakes tribes.
According to its website, the Michigan Wild Rice Initiative (MWRI) was formed from an understanding between state and tribal governments that wild rice in Michigan needs to be protected and restored.
The initiative states it's meant to bring together people from all 12 federally-recognized tribes, multiple state departments and federal agencies to share information and approaches with one another on how to best conserve wild rice.
Not only is wild rice culturally significant to the tribes, but it also provides food and cover for birds, fish and other animals in Michigan.
If the bill passes as expected, it will be the first state native grain designation in the United States.
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