Ethnobotany Of The Menomini Indians

The Indians' usage of plants, as medicines, foods, fibers, dyes, and for miscellaneous uses, is examined. The Indian names for these plants, and the literal translation of these names, are given wherever they could be discovered.

This work is the third in a series of six books about the fieldwork done among Wisconsin Indians to discover their uses of native or introduced plants and. The author dedicates much attention to the history of these plant uses by their ancestors. The author also mentions the decline of the native art and traditions of planting the younger generations of the people.

Chronological historical citations document 500 years of usage of plants, trees, and shrubs native to eastern Canada and northeastern United States. Also complete identifying information, 343 illustrations. "You can't go wrong." — Botanic & Herb Reviews.

At least 350 species of native plants were recognized and named by the Thompson Indian people, based on ethnographic records and interviews with contemporary Thompson speakers. Most of these plants were used in traditional Thompson life as foods, medicine or materials. In addition, nearly 40 species of introduced plants and plant products have been named recently in Thompson. Plants were a significant traditional food source; edible fruits and roots, mushrooms, greens and other plant products were preserved in quantity for year-round utilization, and were widely traded both within and outside the Thompson area. Woods, barks, roots and fibres were vital in Thompson technology, providing materials for shelter, utensils, and clothing, and other essential features of Thompson life. Medicinal plants comprised the bulk of species used by the Thompson. Plant medicines varied greatly in their preparation and application. Few have been tested pharmacologically. Thompson territory lies within several different ecological zones; hence vegetation varied considerably within it, and this factor encouraged active distribution of resources through trade. During times of famine, certain plant foods, such as cactus, were particularly significant in preventing widespread starvation. Only a few native plant species are actively used by Thompson people today. Wild plant foods are largely restricted to several types of berries, a few mushroom species, and one or two species each of greens and 2roots.3 With few exceptions, only members of the oldest generation are still using traditional medicines.