The Power of Fish Emulsion

Join the Botanic Garden on Thursday, April 17th from 6-8pm

Topic: The Power of Fish Emulsion with William Derouin and CJ Minzey of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians

 Ever wonder what happens to the rest of a fish beyond its fillets?  Have you ever heard about how fish make great fertilizer?  Join William Derouin, Agriculture Manager, and CJ Minzey,Agriculture Coordinator of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa, as they share the process of turning fish into fertilizer.  From harvest to finished product, learn how the whole fish can be used to amend soils and how the process is a growing part of the sustainable practices for our region's fisheries. 

About our Instructors

Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa (GTB) Agriculture & Food Sovereignty Department

William Derouin – Agriculture Manager

Dedicated to helping connect people with food production and the natural world, Will was brought on as a GTB Government staff member in 2019 to help establish the new GTB Agriculture & Food Sovereignty Department. This department was formed as a part of a growing national movement for Tribes building stronger connections with agricultural traditions. Having gained experience with grant writing and program development while Permaculture Manager for the Western Michigan University Office for Sustainability, Will has brought his passion for agricultural lifeways to bear on behalf of the GTB Tribal Community. This program now hosts a wide range of programming from squash cooking workshops to maple sugar bush management, deer processing workshops, vegetable production and distribution, and now fish waste composting. Come learn how composting fish waste generated in NW Lower Michigan honors Anishinaabe tradition while advancing the long term goals related to tribal food sovereignty.

CJ Minzey - Agriculture Coordinator

Please note: In the event of a participant needing to cancel, a ticketing fee will be deducted from any refund issued.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park, 1490 Red Drive, Traverse City, United States