Wildlife Biologist Dr. Seth Moore. All photos by Alex Dobbins

By Alex Dobbins - Boreal Community Media - August 14, 2025

Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center hosted Dr. Seth Moore this past weekend for a presentation on Indigenous co-stewardship of moose. Over 20 people drove up the Gunflint Trail to hear Dr. Moore speak. 

Dr. Moore's presentation described his work on the Grand Portage Moose Collaring Program, which he has worked on since 2010, collaring over 500 moose for research. He also writes grants to support his work, securing around $15 million in funding for research that has resulted in approximately 30 peer-reviewed publications on moose and their ecosystem, more than 175 national and regional media features, and much more. He believes collaring a portion of moose, along with other wildlife like wolves, will collect data that can help us to understand and manage wildlife appropriately. 

In his presentation, he emphasized the importance of co-stewardship with the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa to stabilize the moose population and collect data. The Grand Portage Tribe and other Tribes are now receiving a stronger voice in land management. There is currently an expansion of Indigenous stewardship in state and federal policies, with decisions increasingly made with Tribal consideration and consent.

Wildlife biologist Dr. Moore ended his presentation with the theme of science leading to justice, stating:  “I do think that science leads to justice, whether it's social justice, environmental justice, climatic justice, or educational justice. We can use science to effect positive change. We can address some of the systemic issues, especially in environmental and climatic justice.” 

The audience remained engaged throughout the presentation, asking questions and participating in discussions.

The welcome sign to the Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center, where Dr. Seth Moose's presentation took place this past weekend. 

The Chik Wauk Nature Center held around 20 people for the Indigenous Co-Stewardship of Moose presentation.

 Dr. Seth Moore explaining his beliefs on collaring moose.