Join the St. Louis River Alliance and partners for a special River Revival exploring the return of Ishkode (good fire) to Wisconsin Point and its role in restoring forest health, cultural connection, and ecological balance in the St. Louis River Estuary. This field visit takes place Thursday, September 17 from 5:00–7:00 p.m. on Wisconsin Point, parking and leaving from Lot 5. 5:00 p.m. food is served. 5:30 p.m. program begins.
Pine forest on Wisconsin Point.
Participants will visit the 2025 culturally prescribed burn site, marking the return of fire to this landscape for the first time in over 150 years, completed in partnership with the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and regional collaborators. The burn is part of ongoing efforts to restore forest health, reduce wildfire risk, and revitalize Indigenous land stewardship practices.
The program includes a guided walk of approximately one mile over uneven forest terrain through the burn area to observe early regeneration and recovery. Light snacks and beverages will be provided.
This is the final event in our 2026 River Revival Series! Thank you to everyone who has joined us to learn about the restoration and protection of the St. Louis River, Allouez Bay, and Wisconsin Point!
About Our Presenter
Nisogaabokwe “Niso” Melonee Montano is a mother, grandmother, and an enrolled member of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe. She has spent the majority of her life living and learning in her community of Gaa-Miskwaabikaang (Red Cliff), on the southern shores of Lake Superior. Niso holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Northland College and is currently a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy student of Natural Resources Science & Management at the University of Minnesota. She has spent many years focused on treaty rights, traditional ecological knowledge, climate change, and environmental issues. Niso’s current passions, advocacy work, and research are centered on learning from the gift of fire as a historical and contemporary land caretaking tool for the Anishinaabeg.
Bazile Minogiizhigaabo Panek comes from the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe where he was born and raised. His culture is an integral part of his life. In 2022, Bazile graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Native American Studies from Northern Michigan University. In 2023, Bazile founded Good Sky Guidance and is currently the CEO. Good Sky Guidance is a consulting firm helping groups engage with Tribal communities and Indigenous knowledge. Bazile is also a graduate student at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities studying for a Master’s Degree in Natural Resource Sciences and Management and a PhD in American Indian Studies where his focus is on fire as a land caretaking tool.
This events is in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Lake Superior Headwaters Sustainability Partnership, with generous funding provided by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
Third Thursdays | April 16 • May 21 • June 18 • July 16 • August 20 • September 17