Bear Island Flint
(Bear Island Chippewa, Bear Island Flint)
(Flint) Bear Island Flint is a traditional short season flint corn of the Anishnaabeg. It originated from one of the Leach Lake islands, and was historically grown in the Leech Lake, White Earth, and Fond de Lacs areas. (Pg 141. The World We Need, edited by Audrea Lim)
WI BA J on the US based Seed Savers Exchange, notes that,
“The Chippewa in Northern Minnesota and Temagami First Nation of Ontario are two probable original sources/islands and belong to the same cultural people group, the Anishinaabe. Regardless of its exact source, it is one of the northernmost growing corns and matures in 85-90 days”.
According to founder of the White Earth Land Recovery Project (WELRP), Winona Laduke, the Anishnaabeg people [‘The Council of Three Fires’ (Niswi-mishkodewin) – made up of the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi 8], are known to have historically grown corn to its most northern regions, having grown crops 100 miles north of Winnipeg. 6
The Anishnaabeg were know to grow corn on islands, such as the Leach Lake island, where mild temperatures are regulated by the water, and the ecosystems make predation on the crops unlikely. Bear Island corn displays a high protein content unique for corn, at 11.73% protein. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 (WI BA J)
Days to Maturity: 85-90 days
History
Excerpts from the Oscar H. Will Co. 1925 and 1930 catalogues.
First commercially offered by Oscar H. Will Co 1925, and last offered 1939. 4