The Lake Superior Lakewide Action and Management Plan (LAMP) aims to restore and maintain the physical, biological and chemical integrity of the water quality of the Lake Superior ecosystem.
EcoSuperior works to support the objectives in this plan.
You can help, too by drawing on the guidance of the Anishinaabe Peoples in this region. EcoSuperior worked to align Anishinaabe teachings of the 13 moons with LAMP objectives and priorities to invite you to protect and nourish Lake Superior everyday.
We want to acknowledge that while 13 Moons teachings exist across many Indigenous cultures, they may vary between different regions and communities. This tool was developed in consultation with Marcel Bananish Sr, from LongLake #58 First Nation and Lac La Croix First Nation in Northwestern Ontario.
We encourage readers from across Turtle Island to look into the teachings from their region. A local Friendship Center or Tribal Council may be a good place to start!
of LongLake #58 First Nation and Lac LaCroix First Nation
Marcel Bananish Sr. is a Father, Baba and cultural navigator with extensive connections with the lands, waters and communities of this region. His work experience crosses a diversity of sectors and industries. For example, he has been a Fire Chief, an interior park warden in beautiful Quetico Park, a heavy equipment operator, and a water plant technician. He has also worked in forestry as a harvester and as a road and housing constructor. His recent work includes EcoSuperior Environmental Programs, the Thunder Bay Children Centre, Thunder Bay Anishinaabe Friendship Center, Matawa First Nations Care Center School, Lakehead University’s Climate Field School and Law School, Thunder Bay District Health Unit, Roots to Harvest, with whom he volunteers seasonally
He plans to continue sharing his passion and teachings with peoples of all cultures and all ages.
Marcel’s passion in life is the land. Through the land, he has witnessed a community raising a child because in unity there is community. Marcel encourages all peoples to expand their roots to a higher level and harvest the energy of the sun.
The new Moon of the Winter, or Biboon, Solstice, is an important change. We learn to grow from the past.
The holidays can be celebrated in a way that considers the Lake and climate health. Try local food and experiences, and reduce waste in gifts and wrapping.
This moon occurs every four years, as a reminder of the little (spirit) of humility. This is an indicator of change through the other twelve moons, and the ever-changing seasons.
Spring is coming! Is your yard and neighbourhood ready? Work with the plants to learn about, plan, and strengthen stormwater management to help filter high volume runoff before it flows into the Lake.
Understanding that winter season is halfway will bring about the wisdom and education to prepare for planting, harvesting, hunting, and trapping that will come through the next few moons.
Look, listen and feel to better connect and know your ‘place,’ including the waters and shoreline. Undertake science and monitoring regarding ice, local species of plants and animals including fish, etc.
Eagles follow the patterns of the changing southern winds. Bears will follow suit with the frost for birthing.
The Earth’s axis is shifting.
To help protect special habitats and species in your local area, share and seek knowledge with and from others.
Crows have exemplary memories, including recognizing faces, and can pass on their knowledge to future generations.
What are your memories of the Lake? Have family and community conversations about special places. Be a voice for the Lake by participating in public input opportunities for local and regional development proposals.
Loon is a representation of the stars and our navigational tool, due to patterns on their back, and their long
take-off for flight. Raven speaks about humility and reminds us that words can be powerful.
Start small, every action counts. Pick up litter, especially on shorelines. Avoid burning garbage in barrels, open pits, indoor or outdoor fireplaces.
New growth, new life and replenishment. Waters melt, spring run-off, and thaw creates life.
Ground starts shifting, life protrudes.
Plant trees and gardens for food and wildlife. A rain barrel can help nourish your plants, and in turn, nourishes the Lake.
Represents the heart of Aki (Earthly Mother.) Deep red roots remind us to build and maintain meaningful connections, helping to be resilient and to continue to flow.
Nourish your heart, mind, body, and spirit. Create or support existing local land/water protectors, and conservation groups in your area.
Represent the veins of Aki (Earthly Mother.) Most berries grow with the heat and rain. Be mindful of how
much and where we harvest for eating.
What is on the ground, and down the drain, is in the Lake. This includes cigarette butts, engine oil and paint. To reduce chemical contaminant pollution, remove litter, and take any household hazardous materials to waste collection depots.
Speaks of transformation and the importance of clean water, as wild rice is sensitive, and should be sustainably harvested.
Use personal care and cleaning products that nourish you, and the Lake. Know about algal blooms, and report sightings. Learn about how to prevent micro-plastics from entering freshwater.
Earth shifts towards the winter season, resulting in the changing of the natural colour of leaves with the decreasing sunlight.
Compost, leave the leaves, and inspect and pump out your septic systems as required, protecting all freshwater and aquatic life.
When we observe the sun setting earlier, that is when the life that is sustained by the sun’s rays is shifting and changing, along with the winds. When we are in tune with the natural world, we can let go, and we are able to be free to be who we are meant to be.
Let go of plastics in our lives, drop your plastic habit. Let go of what the Lake doesn’t need, and role model Lake-friendly living!
Waters shift, deep-water fish come to shoreline to sustain life of all beings. The Lake nourishes and feeds us, and we in turn need to do the same.
Learn how to identify, report, and stop the spread of invasive species in your area. Prevent invasive species from entering the Lake or growing on shorelines. Volunteer to help remove invasive species, to allow native species to thrive.
EcoSuperior is a passionate and mission-driven non-profit organization, offering meaningful environmental programs and services, in the City of Thunder Bay and beyond.
