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Bill

SB 1078

Relating to: designating manoomin as the Wisconsin state native grain.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kristin Dassler-Alfheim and 7 co-sponsors

Wisconsin designates manoomin (wild rice) as the state native grain, honoring Indigenous cultural heritage and ecological significance.

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
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Bill Summary · SB 1078

Legislative bill overview

SB 1078 designates manoomin (wild rice) as the official state native grain of Wisconsin. The bill recognizes manoomin's historical, cultural, and ecological significance to the state, particularly its importance to Wisconsin's Native American communities and its role in the state's natural ecosystem.

Why is this important

Manoomin holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for Wisconsin's Ojibwe and other Indigenous nations, who have harvested and relied on it for centuries. Designating it as the state native grain acknowledges this heritage while potentially supporting broader recognition of Indigenous food systems and environmental stewardship practices in state policy and public awareness.

Potential points of contention

  • Symbolic vs. substantive impact: Critics may argue that symbolic designations do little to address actual support for Indigenous food sovereignty, harvesting rights, or ecosystem management without accompanying funding or policy changes
  • Resource allocation: Questions about whether state resources should prioritize ceremonial designations over direct support for manoomin cultivation, harvesting, or Indigenous agricultural initiatives
  • Implementation clarity: Unclear how this designation would be operationalized in state law, education, procurement, or agency practices beyond its symbolic value

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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