Native Moose Scientists Attend International Conference in Sweden
- NPLSF
- Jun 27
- 3 min read
For more than fifty years, the International Moose Symposium has brought together researchers and practitioners across the northern hemisphere to discuss and present the latest research and news on one of the most iconic northern ungulate - the moose.
In June 2025 the symposium took place in Östersund, located in central Sweden, in a county where about 40,000 moose roam the forests.
National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation (NPLSF) recognizes the vital importance of moose here in the Great Lakes region, and we are committed to ensuring that scientists from a broad range of backgrounds have the opportunity to share their research and learn from others.
“Native scientists bring ecological and biological expertise to moose protection, as well as recognition of the cultural and subsistence importance of moose in tribal communities,” said NPLSF Executive Director Tom Irvine. “For that reason we have made it a priority to provide scholarships for native scientists to attend this important conference.”
This year, three scientists were awarded scholarships by NPLSF:
Morgan Swingen, who works with the 1854 Treaty Authority in Duluth, attended to broaden her knowledge of moose, moose management, and moose research. The 1854 Treaty Authority, works to protect and preserve treaty hunting rights and resources for the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa and Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa in northern Minnesota. Moose are one of the most important subsistence species for these bands, and the agency contributes to monitoring and management of this important species in northeastern Minnesota. The agency is also beginning a new research project in the next year in collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to investigate survival and reproduction of young moose in the state.
Eliane Grant, a Cree wildlife biologist with a master’s thesis focused on wetlands and their critical role as moose habitat in Eeyou Istchee, has a deep-rooted interest in moose ecology and sustainable management practices. Grant works for the Cree Nation Government and saw the conference as an effective way to broaden her knowledge base, fostering collaborations, and equipping her with tools to contribute effectively to wildlife management initiatives in her region. Ultimately, Grant says, she seeks to increase her capacity to integrate traditional ecological knowledge with scientific approaches, ensuring the long-term health of moose populations and the ecosystems they inhabit.
Benjamin Simpson, a scientist working on Penobscot Nation lands in Maine, focuses on the effects of winter ticks, a critical issue impacting moose populations. Simpson was inspired to attend the conference to engage with scientists from diverse regions and gain insights into how climate change, habitat management, and parasite control strategies are being implemented elsewhere. Ultimately, Simpson seeks to enhance his ability to develop culturally relevant, science-based management plans that benefit both moose populations and the Penobscot Nation.
For information on past moose conferences, check out Meet Four Native Moose Scientists featuring 2024 scholarship winners and Tom Irvine’s Reflections from the 2023 North American Moose Conference that took place in Grand Portage, an event that inspired the scholarship program.
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About The NPLSF
The National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation (NPLSF) exists to provide financial support for projects and programs that preserve the natural resources and cultural heritage of the five Lake Superior national parks: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Grand Portage National Monument, Isle Royale National Park, Keweenaw National Historical Park, and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Funded through grants and private donations, NPLSF projects and programs ensure that these great parks and historic sites are maintained for the enjoyment of all current and future visitors.
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