Notes from Reservation River

Grand Portage writer (and non-cold-water swimmer) Jess Koski ponders the size and scope of Lake Superior’s gifts, from humans to hummingbirds.

A retired English professor, Jess reflects on the circular nature of reading books, as it relates to life at Reservation River.

Writer Jess Koski reports from a community pow wow at Grand Portage, where he finds a steady drumbeat and a shift in his to-do list for the day.

Jess asks the question: What is living the good life–mino bimaadiziwin? A few of his neighbors share what living a good life means to them, in this late spring edition of “Notes from Reservation River.”

In this late-winter episode of Notes from Reservation River, Jess sets some personal goals ahead of the warm season, makes resolutions and breaks them, admits that beans are his favorite food and sets forth his intention to eat foods that are “closer to the earth.”

Writer Jess Koski shares his views on the gift of nibi (water) and how tribal treaty rights enter into the bigger conversations about land, hunting, gathering and water use in ceded territory.

Running the backroads of the Rez with Jess Koski. Plus, news about his next attempt at a 100 mile run!

Winter berry picking and the story of the Bear Berry tree, from the perspective of Grand Portage writer Jess Koski.

Travel the highways and byways with Jess Koski, from Big Bend to Reservation River Road and back again.

Notes from Reservation River, featuring “Jessays” by Grand Portage Band Member Jess Koski. In this segment, he revisits Minong– or Isle Royale, where his great grandfather “Hungry” Jack Scott, once fished and worked as a fish processor.

Jess visits Minong (Isle Royale) and ponders the ancient migration routes of Monarch butterflies.

Jess asks about the condition of birch trees on the Shore and explains what it means when a friend has a case of birch envy.

Jess ponders the history and cultural value of an old, iron pot.

In this segment, Jess returns home from an East Coast visit, avoiding a plane crash and following the migration route of the Lake Superior Anishinaabeg.

Writer Jess Koski is a Grand Portage tribal member and dispatches his “Jessays,” from his home on the shore of Lake Superior, in Chi Oni Gaming.

Writer Jess Koski is a Grand Portage tribal member and dispatches his “Jessays,” from his home on the shore of Lake Superior, in Chi Oni Gaming

Enjoy this edition of Notes from Reservation River  – “Well Worn Path”.

Writer Jess Koski is a Grand Portage tribal member and dispatches his “Jessays,” from his home on the shore of Lake Superior, in Chi Oni Gaming.
In this edition of Notes from Reservation River called “The Last Wave”, Jess remembers his uncle Gene.