The month of Šaašaakolia Kiilhswa ‘Fires Burning Moon’ centers around our practices of fire stewardship (controlled burnings) on the land. Fire has many important uses and is integral to maintaining a proper ecosystem and ecological diversity. During this time of year when moisture in plants is not too low, fire is more easily controlled, and can be a healthy way of land management which is very beneficial to both humans and animals. We use controlled fires to burn the underbrush and other vegetation, improving habitat and healthy growth of certain plants in the small woods, forests, fields, and prairies. In many areas across the continent, prescribed controlled burnings are once again taking place, proving these burnings provide a helpful and positive impact for land, plants, wildlife, and humans alike. This month also marks the beginning of the transitional period of teekwaakiki ‘it is fall/autumn’, between the seasons of neepinwiki ‘it is summer’ and peepoonki ‘it is winter’.
