Roger LaBine is an enrolled member of the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and the Three Fires Midewiwin Lodge. He is employed in the Environmental and Planning Department as a Water Resource Technician. He is the current tribal delegate on the Michigan Wild Rice Initiative and co-chairman of the Native Wild Rice Coalition. He is also the recipient of the 2019 Michigan Heritage Award from Michigan State University Museum for his work with manoomin (wild rice) restoration and preservation. Cortney Collia is an enrolled member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. She is an education and outreach committee member for the Michigan Wild Rice Initiative. She is a water walker, traditional healer and licensed massage therapist. She has dedicated her life to the conservation, preservation and protection of wildlife, ecosystems and manoomin. It is this dedication, love and gratitude for our Mother Earth that inspires her to continue to share the knowledge she has been entrusted to hold.