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The Trees Will Last Forever

Secondary

Description

The Trees Will Last Forever highlights the sustainable forestry practices of the Menominee Tribe on their Wisconsin reservation. Despite a history of logging, their forest today holds a larger volume of timber than it did 160 years ago, thanks to their commitment to environmental stewardship and traditional beliefs. The film emphasizes that Indigenous knowledge and practices, such as those of the Menominee, offer valuable solutions for maintaining a healthy ecosystem and community.

Between 1817 and 1856, the land area decreased dramatically from 15 million acres to just 234,000 acres due to land secession. As of 2023, nearly all of this land is now managed by the Menominee Tribe. The film showcases how the Menominee's regenerative practices prioritize the health of the forest for future generations. In 1908, the Menominee Tribal Enterprises (MTE), a sawmill owned and operated by the Tribe, was established to create job opportunities for their people. The Menominee understood that their future depended on the forest, leading them to adopt a sustained yield management strategy that avoided forest exploitation while preserving their way of life. To thrive on their limited land, the Tribe realized the importance of harvesting timber in a way that ensures the forest's resources are sustained for future generations. This strategy involved harvesting timber at a rate that never exceeds the forest’s natural ability to replenish itself.

The film is one of five companion films that accompany the lesson plan on Indigenous Perspectives for Restoring Our World, which explores the relationship between Indigenous peoples and their ancestral lands.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

The film contributes to the broader conversation about the significance of Indigenous knowledge in tackling climate change and promoting sustainable land management. Students can research local Indigenous land management practices or environmental initiatives. They should also explore other examples of traditional ecological knowledge and sustainable practices. Additionally, they can connect the film's themes to current environmental issues in their community that are impacted by climate change. Encourage students to reflect on their relationship with nature and their surrounding environment. Have them consider how they can apply the principles of ecological stewardship in their own lives.

As a class, explore the complete "Inhabitants" film and related resources from the Global Oneness Project. Connect the themes of the films to current environmental issues and climate change.

Relevant Curriculum Units

The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.

  • Step 1Select a province
  • Alberta
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 12
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Indigenous Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Aboriginal Studies 30: Aboriginal World Issues
  • British Columbia
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 9
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 9: The biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere are interconnected, as matter cycles and energy flows through them.
    • Grade 11
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Science 11: Human practices affect the sustainability of ecosystems
        • Environmental Science 11:Humans can play a role in stewardship and restoration of ecosystems
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science for Citizenship 11: Scientific understanding enables humans to respond and adapt to changes locally and globally
    • Grade 12
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Science 12: Sustainable land use is essential to meet the needs of a growing population
  • Manitoba
  • Newfoundland & Labrador
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 12
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Science 3205: Land Use & the Environment
  • Northwest Territories
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 9
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 9: The biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere are interconnected, as matter cycles and energy flows through them.
    • Grade 11
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Science 11: Human practices affect the sustainability of ecosystems
        • Environmental Science 11:Humans can play a role in stewardship and restoration of ecosystems
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science for Citizenship 11: Scientific understanding enables humans to respond and adapt to changes locally and globally
    • Grade 12
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Science 12: Sustainable land use is essential to meet the needs of a growing population
  • Ontario
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 11
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Science (Univ/College Prep.) Sustainable Agriculture and Forestry
    • Grade 12
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Indigenous Studies
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Contemporary Indigenous Issues and Perspectives in a Global Context, (Univ./College prep.): Indigenous Peoples and Perspectives
  • Prince Edward Island
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 12
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Science 621A: Natural Resources
  • Yukon Territory
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 9
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 9: The biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere are interconnected, as matter cycles and energy flows through them.
    • Grade 11
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Science 11: Human practices affect the sustainability of ecosystems
        • Environmental Science 11:Humans can play a role in stewardship and restoration of ecosystems
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science for Citizenship 11: Scientific understanding enables humans to respond and adapt to changes locally and globally
    • Grade 12
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Science 12: Sustainable land use is essential to meet the needs of a growing population

Themes Addressed

Ecosystems (1)

  • Appreciating the Natural World

Indigenous Knowledge (2)

  • Etuaptmumk/Two-Eyed Seeing
  • TEK -- Traditional Ecological Knowledge

Land Use & Natural Resources (1)

  • Forests

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