My Park Story: Ethan Poulin

Ethan Poulin, Community Volunteer Ambassador (Conservation Legacy) 

NPS Photo / G.M. Spoto

Gratitude

Boozhoo! Ethan Poulin indizhinikaaz. Animikii-wiikwedong indoonibaa.
Gichi-onigamiing indaa. Miigwech. Mii iw.

Hello! My name is Ethan Poulin. I come from Thunder Bay.
I live in Grand Portage. Thank you.

I came to Grand Portage about 13 years ago to live with my grandma and played basketball in high school. Living in both Thunder Bay and here is, in the words of my Uncle Nate, two wings on the same bird. (Anishinaabe lived all around the Lake Superior watershed before the border was established.)

Last summer, I started working at the monument as a seasonal interpreter and found I liked it. For a short time, I took a job in the Cities. I liked the job but missed the quiet of the woods, the lake, the remoteness. Some days only having one place to eat and one to buy groceries seems small though. This position will lead to a stable job I enjoy and maybe to another place. The hours of training required gives me money to put toward more education. No matter where I end up, I want to remember to feel grateful when I start my day.

So far, I’ve been involved in community outreach – helping with events like traditional birch bark basket (makuk) making. This summer, I’ll be point person for the volunteers for any problems they might have. I’ll also coach them with their programs if they want it.