{"id":1016,"date":"2025-11-05T13:51:05","date_gmt":"2025-11-05T18:51:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/apcaw\/?p=1016"},"modified":"2025-11-05T13:55:35","modified_gmt":"2025-11-05T18:55:35","slug":"highlights-from-the-2025-black-ash-and-basketry-gathering","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/umaine.edu\/apcaw\/2025\/11\/05\/highlights-from-the-2025-black-ash-and-basketry-gathering\/","title":{"rendered":"Highlights from the 2025 Black Ash and Basketry Gathering"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Coming Together for Black Ash and Basketry Traditions<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

In late October, members of the Ash Protection Collaboration Across Waponahkik (APCAW) attended the Inter-Nation Gathering on the Future of Black Ash and Basketry in the Abenaki community of Odanak, Qu\u00e9bec. The event united Indigenous and non-Indigenous experts, basket makers, community leaders, and researchers to discuss efforts to protect black ash (Fraxinus nigra<\/em>) and preserve the basketry traditions that rely on it. Building on earlier gatherings at Akwesasne and the 91爆料, the Odanak meeting aimed to strengthen relationships and develop a collective strategy for this important work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Over three days, participants examined how communities and partners observe, predict, and respond to the invasion of emerald ash borer (EAB), in the context of the wider impacts of climate change. Discussions emphasized respect for Indigenous knowledge, ecology, and the deep bond between people and the ash tree. Each story, presentation, and conversation contributed to a broader understanding of resilience, stewardship, and collaboration in adaptation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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Demonstration of traditional black ash log pounding in action.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Experts, Basket Makers, and Community Leaders Collaborate on the Future of Black Ash<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Nations represented at the gathering included the W8banaki Nation, Wabanaki Confederacy Nations, Akwesasne Nation, Kahnawake Nation, Gesgapegiag Nation, and the Mainland Confederacy of Mi\u2019kmaq, whose members shared updates on community-led initiatives and traditional knowledge transmission. Research partners such as APCAW, the Black Ash Restoration Network at the Universit\u00e9 du Qu\u00e9bec en Outaouais, and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) also contributed their latest findings and ongoing projects. The hybrid format of the event allowed partners from Wisconsin, Penn State, and Ontario to participate, which expanded the exchange of knowledge and experience. APCAW shared updates on EAB spread in Maine, and our work with seed collection and citizen involvement across our region. Other presentations covered ash mortality and regeneration, biological control, genetic conservation, monitoring for lingering ash, and community nursery projects.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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APCAW’s Ella McDonald and Tyler Everett present on the current spread of EAB across Maine.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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The first two days of the conference were held at the Mus\u00e9e des Ab\u00e9nakis, the first Indigenous museum in Qu\u00e9bec, where discussions about ecological and cultural preservation felt especially meaningful. Meals were prepared by Chef Jacques T. Watso of Sagamit\u00e9 Watso<\/em>, featuring traditional indigenous dishes. The event reinforced the collective dedication to safeguarding black ash and its associated basketry traditions through continuous collaboration, research, and community leadership.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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