Why would I stop?’: James Whetung plans to keep planting and harvesting wild rice – mykawartha.com

Subject of ‘Cottagers and Indians’ documentary wants to return ‘manoomin’ to Rice Lake

The only thing James Whetung of Curve Lake First Nation wants is to be left to do what he loves — planting and harvesting wild rice.

Black Duck Wild Rice is the backbone of Whetung’s hard work for over 35 years, and he says it’s something he could never give up.

Wild Rice, or “the good seed,” is a staple in Indigenous cuisine and has been for thousands of years.

Whetung is also the subject of a CBC documentary, “Cottagers and Indians,” written and hosted by writer Drew Hayden Taylor, also of Curve Lake.

The documentary, and book of the same name, focus on the trials and tribulations of planting and harvesting wild rice in the tri-lakes area, specifically Pigeon Lake.

Read More: https://www.mykawartha.com/news-story/10070125–why-would-i-stop-james-whetung-plans-to-keep-planting-and-harvesting-wild-rice/