At Northland Visions, owner Greg Bellanger proudly offers hand-harvested wild rice sourced exclusively from the lakes and rivers of northern Minnesota. Northland’s wild rice is not just any rice; it is a connection to Greg’s roots, a reflection of the natural world, and a commitment to preserving the traditions of his ancestors. Unlike cultivated varieties, this wild rice is picked with care, ensuring that every grain is a testament to the artistry of nature and the expertise of those who harvest it.
Nestled within the rich ecosystems of the White Earth and Leech Lake areas, the rice is gathered in a “time-honored method that dates back generations,” according to Greg.
Picture this: two friends glide silently through a calm lake in a canoe, surrounded by lush water grasses. Equipped with nothing but two 36-inch cedar sticks called “knockers,” one friend rhythmically pulls the stalks over the canoe and strikes them twice, only knocking off the mature kernels while leaving the unripe grains to mature further. The other friend stands in back and expertly maneuvers the canoe through the tall grasses with a long pole. This delicate dance requires skill and teamwork, honoring the land and the rice in each precise movement.
After an exhilarating day of harvesting, the friends return to shore, laying out their prized catch on tarps to dry in the gentle sun. This meticulous process includes removing any unwanted debris—sticks, weeds, and the like—ensuring the purity of the harvest. The journey continues as they transfer the rice to traditional kettles, where it is gently turned over an open flame to reduce moisture content, achieving the ideal consistency for storage.
Modern methods have introduced new ways to process this precious grain, yet most remain dedicated to respecting the traditional practices that have been passed down through generations. While contemporary machinery allows for efficiency and precision, the essence of hand-harvested wild rice lies in its history and cultural significance. The rice once danced under the feet of young girls wearing new moccasins, as they rolled the grains to detach the brittle chaff—a tradition that encapsulates the spirit of community and reverence for the land.
Every batch of wild rice Northland sells bears witness to the diligence and artistry involved in its creation. From the initial harvest to the final winnowing process, which involves tossing the rice in birch bark trays to let the wind carry away the chaff or the more modern tumbler method, each step is meticulously crafted to ensure quality and authenticity.
“Hand-harvested wild rice is a labor-intensive process and yields only about 35 to 40% of the original green weight,” Greg says. “I remember going out as a kid with my father. I would wear long sleeves and jeans even in the hot weather of August and September because it’s a real dirty process. But I didn’t mind. We had fun. We would tell jokes, pretend to tip the canoe, splash water at each other. My dad made it a great time.”
For those interested in harvesting, it does require a permit for non-tribal members, reflecting the respect for Indigenous lands. Permits and information can be obtained from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for which non-tribal lakes can be harvested from. Wild rice only grows naturally in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Canada. There are 13 different varieties.
Although Greg doesn’t hand-harvest the rice himself anymore, he still honors his roots by purchasing from the local tribes and members of White Earth and Lake Leech.
“For me and Northland, everything comes back to tradition,” Greg says. “Our store actually started when my dad would make gift baskets, mostly filled with wild rice, jellies, berry syrups, maple sugar candy and herbal teas for local companies to use as corporate gifts. The main gift was the wild rice.”
He continues, “As this took off, my dad decided to open a storefront, Northland Visions, and we started selling a much larger assortment of gifts from the Woodland and Plains tribes. But at the heart, we still sell a large variety of wild rice. My father has passed now, but I continue to honor our culture and his legacy today.”
So when one chooses Northland Visions, know that they’re savoring more than just a meal; they’re participating in a legacy. Taste the difference that true wild rice offers—hand-harvested, sustainably sourced, and deeply connected to the natural rhythms of northern Minnesota. Join Greg and his community in celebrating this exceptional grain, one that embodies the spirit of the land and the heart of our ancestors.
861 E Hennepin Ave. | 612-872-0390 | northlandvisions.com