article

Native rice, native hands: the Ikwe Marketing Collective

Cultural survival quarterly11 (1) • Published In 1987 • Pages: 63-64

By: LaDuke, Winona.

Abstract
This is a very brief article about Anishinabeg (Mississippi Chippewa) attempt to profit from a growing market in wild rice. Beginning in 1968, the local rice industry was earning 11 million dollars for its 60 white farmers, who lived on private land in the reserve. The native harvesters were paid only 65 cents a pound for wild rice that retailed at 5-10 dollars per pound. In 1985, the Ikwe Marketing Collective was formed to get a better price for rice and crafts. The collective buys the rice from the native harvesters and sells it directly to retailers for 4.50 to 5.50 dollars per pound. The author stresses the need for local natives to maintain a subsistence base and sell their surplus at a fair market price.
Subjects
Collecting
Price and value
Cooperative organization
culture
Ojibwa
HRAF PubDate
2000
Region
North America
Sub Region
Arctic and Subarctic
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Type
Indigenous Person
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Ian Skoggard ; 1998
Field Date
Not specified
Coverage Date
1968-1986
Coverage Place
Twentieth Century Ojibwa, White Earth reservation, Minnesota, United States
Notes
Winona LaDuke
LCCN
8964755
LCSH
Ojibwa Indians