Native America Calling

Today, April 23– Cultural traditions of spear fishing

Ojibwe fishermen launch their boats in shallow water in the Great Lakes at dusk. They shine flashlights into the water looking for the iridescent shimmer of walleye eyes. In an age-old tradition, they take their catch with a spear. The tradition and tribes’ right to spearfish is affirmed in past treaties and legal decisions. Still, Native fishers face occasional confrontations by uninformed non-Native fishermen.  We’ll hear about the cultural significance of spearfishing as well as some history of past political tensions of subsistence fishing.

To join the discussion call, 1-800-996-2848