CMN leader reflects on Overstreet’s contributions

The College of Menominee Nation bid farewell and extended condolences to the family of longtime collaborator, researcher and natural anthropologist David Overstreet, who died Jan. 20 at age 82 in Milwaukee. Through his trailblazing work as an agricultural investigator, independent archaeological consultant, CMN adjunct professor of anthropology (2006-13) and youth development facilitator, Overstreet left an indelible mark on the college’s legacy, according to a statement issued by CMN. Discoveries and extensive knowledge of historical Menominee lifestyles made due to his work will benefit the Menominee Nation for the foreseeable future. “CMN’s focus on Menominee agricultural practices began because of research led by Dr. David Overstreet in collaboration with the MITW Historic Preservation Department in 1995,” CMN President Christopher Caldwell said. “Today, agricultural research and production gardens mimic ancient garden practices on our campus. We also have a bachelor’s of sustainable agriculture degree program inspired by this work.” Overstreet’s work built on current and future generations through collaborations with the Department of Continuing Education and the Sustainable Development Institute. These collaborations focused on middle and high school-level programs that promoted higher education, built leadership skills and broadened understanding of sustainability through place-based experiences. Students worked with Overstreet to learn how to conduct archaeological investigations on ancestral gardens and participate in contemporary research on CMN and off-campus sites. He received a doctorate in anthropology from UW-Milwaukee and had been a practicing professional archaeologist for over 50 years. In addition to his work at CMN, he taught at UW-Waukesha, UW-Milwaukee and was director of Archaeology at Marquette University. He was a research associate at the Milwaukee Public Museum. His work with the Menominee Tribe led to him being presented with an appointment as a sturgeon warrior and honorary thunderbird. A graveside service will be held at the Menominee Nation Cemetery in the spring.