https://www.glifwc.org/ClimateChange/GLIFWC_Climate_Change_Vulnerability_Assessment_Version1_April2018.pdfGiigoonh (fish) are an important aspect of Ojibwe lifeways, both traditionally and today. Sport fishing in Wisconsin is a 2.3 billion dollar industry that supports more than 26,000 jobs and generates $75 million in state tax revenue.
Fish are an important clan totem. Within the Ojibwe culture there are several different fish clans including catfish, merman, sturgeon, pike, whitefish, and sucker clans. Because fishes are hidden behind rocks, live unseen in the dark depths, but remain steadfast in the swirling current, Ojibwe culture holds that people born into the fish clan are chosen to help teach and develop skills
In addition to the role as a clan totem, the Ojibwe diet has always relied heavily on fish throughout the year. They harvested walleye during the early spring season with nets and spears, in summer with hook and line much like today’s anglers, and in winter fishing through the ice using carved decoys. Fish is a central component to feasts at celebrations and ceremonies and is considered among the sacred foods.
Because of the importance of fish to the Ojibwe, some Ojibwe bands specifically reserved the right to fish within lands that they ceded (sold) to the U.S. government under treaties between their nations. Other rights which were reserved in these treaties included hunting and gathering. Treaty rights are important to understanding the cultural significance of fishing to the Ojibwe people. Consider how these rights may be threatened by climate change.
Just as they did historically, today each spring Lake Superior Ojibwe spear walleye at night using lights to reveal the fish. This catch is closely regulated to insure sustainability of fish populations.