The following article was written by Kirsten Smith, a Youth Services Associate at the Manitowoc Public Library.
Wisconsin, with its diverse ecosystems, is home to a variety of mammals that hold significant importance in Indigenous perspectives. Native communities have fostered a deep connection with the land and its inhabitants, viewing mammals as integral parts of their cultural and spiritual identity. Central to this belief is that all living things are interconnected and that humans have a responsibility to care for the earth and its inhabitants.
Indigenous peoples’ relationships with animals are the result of tens of thousands of years of connections to the environment. In Native American traditions, animals are sometimes used to communicate the values and spiritual beliefs of their communities. Animals’ importance is also evident in the creation stories of many nations. Clan and kinship systems within many communities reflect relationships to animals. Each animal carries history, meaning, and significance.
Explore this topic and more during Big Paws ~ Small Paws at Manitowoc Public Library on Tuesday, February 27, at 6 PM. This hands-on, all-ages program is suitable for all audiences and presented by Marin (Mark) Denning, enrolled member of Oneida Nation of Wisconsin and UW-Milwaukee Adjunct Lecturer. Hear Indigenous stories and perspectives about our big and small pawed relatives. See examples of these animals. Touch their fur and get a sense of their shape, size, characteristics, and importance in Indigenous culture. Discover the lessons they teach and how we are interconnected.
This delicate balance between Indigenous communities and Wisconsin’s mammals faces numerous challenges, primarily driven by environmental changes and human activities. Habitat loss, invasive species, pollution, and climate change threaten the survival of many species. It is crucial to acknowledge and address these issues to protect the well-being of both the animal kingdom and the Indigenous cultures that are deeply connected to them.
Education plays a pivotal role. Understanding nature and the cultural significance of mammals in Indigenous communities fosters empathy and respect. Schools and community organizations can incorporate Indigenous teachings about wildlife into their curriculum, nurturing a sense of stewardship among the younger generation. This not only preserves cultural heritage, but also instills a commitment to environmental conservation.
To support Indigenous perspectives on Wisconsin’s mammals, individuals and communities can actively engage in conservation efforts. This involves advocating for policies that protect natural habitats, supporting sustainable practices, funding restoration and revitalization projects, and promoting wildlife education. By respecting the interconnectedness of all living beings, we can contribute to the preservation of Indigenous knowledge and the well-being of Wisconsin’s mammals.
Join us on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at 6 PM to learn both about and from our animal teachers and guides. Hear their lessons about living in harmony with the environment and with each other. Big Paws ~ Small Paws will take place in the Balkansky Room on the Second Floor of Manitowoc Public Library. This program is for all ages and is free-of-charge.