Mike Benedict

Hastings, MN
Mike’s interest in ash basketry started when he studied basket making with several community Mohawk elders in the 1980s. His focus is primarily on traditional 'utility' baskets. In 1999 Mike attended the University of Minnesota to pursue a master’s degree in black ash ecology. His research, which focused on identifying ideal sites for growing ash specifically for basket making, complements his brother’s work on the St. Regis Mohawk Reservation in Northern New York. There, reintroducing and replanting former black ash stands has become a priority. Mike is currently employed as forester for the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Minneapolis.