Baraga County, Mich.
Just off the Sand Point Lighthouse in the heart of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community nearly 100 people dropped their lines through the ice on a bright February morning.
The Band’s Natural Resource Department (NRD) measured 10 inches of ice just before the 4th Annual Family Ice Fishing Day kicked off. “It’s about 60’ deep where most people are fishing out there, " said Outreach Coordinator Austin Ayres, KBIC tribal member who has worked at the Band’s natural resource department since 2012.
KBIC activated a crew of helpers wearing high-vis vests zipping across the bay on snowmobiles drilling fishing holes. Teachers and knowledge holders were close by to offer support and education as needed. Prizes, hot cocoa, and buckets of equipment were set up and ready to go. “Kids bundled up outside, learning to feed themselves is our goal,” said Ayres.
In previous years this winter fishing event has taken place on Otter and Vermilliac Lakes.
“This is our 4th year organizing this event and this is the 1st year we’ve been able to hold it out on the Bay,” said Ayers.
Youth Activities Administrative Specialist, Mike Lahati, who helped coordinate the day’s activities said "It's important we’re connecting with nature and our community.”
Assisting with registration was KBIC’s Promise Neighborhoods. Christine Awonohopay, their Assistant Director of Culture & Language got each person signed in. Promise Neighborhood partnered on the event to make sure the department has the equipment and goods they need to make sure the event is a success. “We’re really happy to be here to help and support the kids,” said Awonohopay.
The day’s smallest fish prize went to JJ Beller, 17 who hooked a 12’ Lake Trout. Quentin Lahti’s 19” Lake Trout won him the top slot for largest fish.
After a successful morning on the ice, kids found their way back to the shore. Lahti reflected, “Look how much fun people had, look how long they stayed in the cold and wind. Most folks didn’t leave with a fish, but everyone left with some nice memories from the ice today.”
80 miles south of Keweenaw Bay on Lake Lac Vieux Desert, the Band’s Conservation Committee hosted their Youth Ice Fishing & Spearing event. With good ice conditions across the Ceded Territories many tribes held family-friendly outdoor learning and harvesting events this past winter.
