Free Foodways Symposium Returns Downtown April 4 - 5

Annual Event Celebrating Region's Food Heritage Has Freshwater Theme

Mark your calendars for the 2025 Kalamazoo Valley Foodways Symposium! This free annual celebration of greater Kalamazoo's agricultural history and heritage will be held April 4 - 5 at two of Kalamazoo Valley Community College's locations in downtown Kalamazoo.

This year, the college will explore foodways through the lens of water, and all the ways in which water gives us life and sustains us. Expect a weekend of good food and more as the community comes together to work to build a just and healthy future for all.

The event kicks off on the evening of Friday, April 4 at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum with a water ceremony from 5 to 5:30 p.m., then a free distribution of seeds from 6 to 7 p.m. A keynote address follows from 7 to 8 p.m. illuminating the gift of Manoomin (wild rice), which was designated the state of Michigan's native grain in 2023. Manoomin appetizers will be served from 8 to 8:30 p.m.

Friday's keynote speakers are Roger LaBine and Cortney Collia. LaBine is a 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. 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.

Enjoy more free activities the next day, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, April 5, at the college's Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health Building, located at 418 E. Walnut St. in downtown Kalamazoo. Learn how to make venison and wild rice casserole, Manoomin three sisters salad, and kid-friendly meals with local vegetables. Some of the other activities include a Potawatomi wetland plant walk, panel discussion with Native American elders on the topic of "What does the water ask of us," presentation about the story of the Kalamazoo River, songs, youth activities, building tours, community organization showcase and more.

Visit kalamazoofoodways.org for details.

The Foodways Symposium is a collaboration between Kalamazoo Valley Community College and the college's Kalamazoo Valley Museum, with support from the KVCC Foundation. The museum is operated by Kalamazoo Valley Community College and is governed by its Board of Trustees.