Gary Besaw presentation on 2 December 2020 during Ethnobotany course.
Gary Besaw (Oskipaewis) is an enrolled Menominee, Bear Clan, and Director of both the Menominee Tribal Department of Agriculture and Food Systems (DAFS) and the Menominee Tribal Food Distribution Department. He currently serves on the Menominee Tribal Legislature, having served 14 years, twice as Tribal Chairman, also serving as Vice Chairman and Secretary. Gary previously worked at the College of Menominee Nation as Vice President of Student Services and on a Menominee language curriculum initiative. He worked his professional career in K-12 Native American education as Superintendent, Administrator, Vice-Principal, Curriculum Coordinator, and Art Instructor. He holds an MS in Education Administration from UW-Madison, attended Harvard Summer Educational Leadership, and earned a Bachelor of Science in K-12 Art Education from UW-Stout. Gary is an advocate for sharing the wisdom of our indigenous ancestors in our relationships with Mother Earth. Gary has served on numerous advisory boards and commissions at various tribal, state, and national levels, and presents at all levels when requested.