Reestablishing the Juneberry on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation: Cultural, horticultural, and educational connections

Abstract

Tribal people of the Northern Great Plains have utilized plants for centuries. Amelanchier anifolia (Juneberries/Serviceberries) historically played an important part in the diet and culture of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara (MHA) Tribal Nations. Research conducted as part of this study into historical and contemporary uses of the Juneberry by MHA Tribal Members indicated extensive historical use and a high interest in Juneberry reestablishment for cultural, nutritional, and economic reasons. Previous research on Juneberries has investigated factors including state of dormancy, propagation method, transplant type, and mulch type. Another purpose of this study was to elucidate the impact of presence of water, cultivar type, soil type and site on the transplant success rate of Juneberries on the arid Northern Great Plains. Alternating experimental units of Amelanchier anifolia cultivars (Honeywood, Smokey, and Martin) were planted with and without presence of water on three selected sites within the Fort Berthold Reservation. Precipitation levels and plant vigor were monitored. Soil type, and cultivar differences were insignificant, however, presence of water results indicate its necessity. A plantbased curriculum framework was presented to improve cultural relevancy for students at Tribal Colleges