Tera John (pictured standing) looks over Bear Island Flint heirloom Corn as it grows. As she walks among the plants she is walking among her ancestors, the ones who cultivated this life giving plant over the generations. Working to bring back these ancient ways will make the future brighter for her tribe and others living on great turtle island.
Bear Island Flint heirloom corn is a rare and culturally significant variety, deeply rooted in the traditions of the Anishinaabe people. Grown on sovereign Tribal lands, this resilient and nutrient-dense corn represents more than just sustenance—it embodies a connection to the land, history, and Indigenous food sovereignty.
Bear Island Flint corn, with its striking multi-colored kernels, has been carefully stewarded by Indigenous growers for generations. Adapted to the harsh climates of the northern Great Lakes region, this heirloom variety thrives in short growing seasons and nutrient-poor soils, making it an ideal crop for Tribal communities working to reclaim traditional agricultural practices. Its deep resistance to disease and drought further enhances its value in a time of climate uncertainty.
Cultivating Bear Island Flint corn on sovereign lands is part of a larger movement toward food sovereignty, allowing Indigenous nations to control their food systems and preserve ancestral knowledge. By prioritizing heirloom seeds over commercial hybrids, Tribes ensure genetic diversity and maintain the cultural integrity of their agricultural heritage. The process of planting, harvesting, and processing this corn often involves community-led efforts, reinforcing intergenerational knowledge transfer and strengthening Tribal food economies.
Beyond its cultural and agricultural importance, Bear Island Flint corn is nutritionally superior to many modern varieties. It is rich in protein and essential nutrients, making it a staple for Indigenous diets, often prepared through traditional nixtamalization to enhance its digestibility.
As Tribal nations continue to assert their sovereignty over land and resources, the cultivation of Bear Island Flint corn stands as a powerful act of resilience, self-sufficiency, and cultural preservation. Its revival not only supports Indigenous foodways but also offers a model for sustainable, regionally adapted agriculture in a rapidly changing world.