Nibbles n' Knowledge: Back to the Future - The Ojibwe Example of Co-Existence with Wolves

For this month's Nibbles n' Knowledge program, we are welcoming Peter David. Long before Europeans eliminated wolves from Wisconsin, Ojibwe tribes shared the land with "ma'iingan." In recent decades, wolves have made a remarkable recovery in the state, necessitating the re-establishment of a human-wolf relationship here. This presentation will review the history of wolves in Wisconsin and the Ojibwe's relationship to them, as an example of co-existence that can be applied to the contemporary landscape. 

Peter David grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin (where he once sold hotdogs at Packer games). He is willing to date himself by noting he was born into a wolf-less Wisconsin. After obtaining BS and Master Degrees in Wildlife Ecology from UW-Madison, he headed north to work for the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, which was only in its third year of existence at the time. There his next education began as Ojibwe elders and individuals shared their Traditional Ecological Knowledge and world view on wild rice, waterfowl, wolves and the other “more-than-human beings” which his work was focused upon. His work with ma’iinganag, or wolves, included sharing Ojibwe perspectives and understandings with organizations and individuals throughout the western Great Lakes wolf range.

Since his retirement in 2022, he has remained active in wolf stewardship. He currently serves on the Boards for the Timber Wolf Alliance - which he represents on the new Wisconsin DNR Wolf Advisory Committee - and the International Wolf Center – but he is also trying to spend more time with his wife harvesting wild rice, picking wild blueberries, making a little maple syrup, catching a few fish, or doing just about anything else that gets him outdoors.

We will serve light appetizers and have a cash bar from 5:00 - 6:00 pm, presentation will run from 6:00 - 7:00 pm. Registration required by 1/13/26. Program is held at the North Lakeland Discovery Center Main Lodge. $17/Non-Member, $14/Member and $20 at the door for anyone who has not pre-registered. Thursday 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm.

There are limited volunteer spots available for reduced admission fees ($10/Volunteer bringing food and free for Volunteers that wish to help out from 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm). Volunteers who sign up to bring food may pay at the door!  Please sign up in I-Volunteer or contact Emily at: emily@discoverycenter.net

Please read our program and event registration and cancellation policy here.