Members of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians in Michigan participated in a black ash basket co-op social in December 2014. Photo from Pokagon Band
The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians is combating an invasive species that has destroyed trees that are a key part of the Michigan tribe's culture. The Asian emerald ash borer has killed millions of ash trees in Michigan. To prevent the spread of the insect, the tribe is releasing stingless wasps, a natural predator of the beetle. “The eggs of the wasp hatch and then the offspring of the wasp will either consume the eggs or the larva of the beetle,” Vic Bogosian, the tribe's natural resources manager, told WMUK.
A basket in the making. Photo from Pokagon Band
The ash tree has played an important role in tribal culture. The wood is used to make baskets, toboggans, utensils and other items. “It’s part of who we are,” basket weaver Jamie Brown told The South Bend Tribune. “It’s cool to carry on the tradition and share it with the next generation.” The tribe obtained the wasps from the Department of Agriculture free of charge, the paper said. Get the Story:
Tribe Releases Wasp to Kill Emerald Ash Borer (WMUK 9/15)
Pokagon Band uses wasps to save its trees, tradition (The South Bend Tribune 8/28)
Black ash basket tradition carried on at Region of Three Oaks Museum (The Harbor County News 7/29)
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