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Although sugarbush demands a lot of hard work, Ojibwe are rewarded with the healing fellowship of time spent with friends and family as well as healthy food.

Today, the business of the sugarbush, or iskigamizigan in the Ojibwe language, also has an element of Indigenous activism, Indian Country Today reported.

But as settlers began to cut the forests for timber and states grew more restrictive toward tribal hunting, fishing and gathering rights, Ojibwe began to move away from the sugarbush, relying instead on store-bought sugar.

With the support of the tribe, she and the youth services staff organize a community sugarbush.

Although few people today camp out for the duration of sugarbush, many enjoy the opportunity to spend time with relatives and members of the community, sharing culture and enjoying the sweet taste of maple syrup.