Oshki ikwewag

8.5 acres Women’s farm on Madeline Island, on Lake Superior in Wisconsin

Location

GPS location: (46.831314, -90.637883)

Natural & Cultural Significance

Located in Lake Superior, Madeline Island holds deep historical and spiritual significance for the Ojibwe people as the final destination on their centuries-long migration from the East Coast. In a landscape of luxury homes, Oshki Ikwewag is the last working agricultural farm on the island and includes 700 feet of shoreline. Oshki Ikwewag will assume the deed for the land when their non-profit status is finalized and plans to grow heritage varieties of corn, potatoes, and turkeys on the farm.

NLC stepped in to hold a deed for 8.5 acres on an interim basis to this land on Madeline Island. What will be a women’s farm collective, Oshki Ikwewag, Giktigaanig (New Women's Farm) is being facilitated by Winona LaDuke, an Ojibwe farmer and activits. This property is being purchased with a one-year, no-interest loan provided by Ekvn-Yefolecv, a Maskoke eco-village. 

It is a unique model that brings together sister tribal organizations to provide support when one needs help to rescue sacred land.