Dr. Emily Onello Studies Possible Health Benefits of Manoomin–Wild Rice

“Colon cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosis and the second leading cause of cancer death for all Minnesotans. Native American Minnesotans experience both the state’s highest diagnosis rate and mortality rate from colorectal cancer.” 

According to a study, in 2018, the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa published a health impact assessment that described the important role of manoomin—wild rice—to support the health of tribal members.

Assistant Professor, Emily Onello, MD, recently spoke with WTIP–North Shore Community Radio, about her team’s research efforts involving the health assessment and the wild rice, harvested by Jeff Savage of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. 

LISTEN to the Wild Rice Study Interview

“She expressed appreciation to the many Fond du Lac and Grand Portage community members who spoke with her about the lifelong connection that exists between the Anishinaabe people and manoomin.”