Join Itasca Waters and Minnesota Sea Grant in the first chapter of the 2026 Practical Water Wisdom webinar series, "Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Lake Management," presented by Shane Bowe, Red Lake Nation Department of Natural Resources Water Resource Director.
Over the past two decades, it has been learned that the most effective way to incorporate tribal community needs and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) into lake management work is to support and empower tribal members to manage their own natural resources. This approach has evolved to focus on increasing tribal representation within resource management roles. Recent initiatives include strengthened outreach to Red Lake Nation College, a tiered mentorship program, and, most recently, the development of an apprenticeship program designed to build long-term capacity within tribal communities.
Speakers
- Shane Bowe, Red Lake Nation Department of Natural Resources Water Resource Director
- Shane Bowe began working as an Aquatic Biologist for the Red Lake Nation Department of Natural Resources in 2006. In his time at Red Lake, he has worked on projects ranging from shallow lake research to water quality monitoring and paleolimnology to numerous nonpoint source pollution reduction projects, including dam removal and stream restoration. As a nonmember managing lakes on a closed reservation, Bowe has a unique perspective regarding Traditional Ecological Knowledge and the interplay between resource management and local culture and traditions.
- Shane Bowe began working as an Aquatic Biologist for the Red Lake Nation Department of Natural Resources in 2006. In his time at Red Lake, he has worked on projects ranging from shallow lake research to water quality monitoring and paleolimnology to numerous nonpoint source pollution reduction projects, including dam removal and stream restoration. As a nonmember managing lakes on a closed reservation, Bowe has a unique perspective regarding Traditional Ecological Knowledge and the interplay between resource management and local culture and traditions.
Date
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Time
Noon to 1:00 p.m. CT
Registration
Registration is required to attend this free virtual event.
Event sponsors
Practical Water Wisdom: A Virtual Learning Series is presented by Itasca Waters with support from:
- Minnesota Sea Grant
- Itasca Soil and Water Conservation District
- Itasca Coalition of Lake Associations
- KAXE/KBXE
- Rapids Radio
- Grand Rapids Herald Review
Contact
John A. Downing, director, Minnesota Sea Grant.
Image credit: A. Shie/MNSG.