Gathering the Pieces: The Jondreau Decision summarizes the story of Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) tribal member William “Boyzie” Jondreau. In this story, William's struggle to help reaffirm the Ojibwe (or Anishinaabe) treaty-reserved harvesting rights in the waters of Lake Superior is explored by William's grandson, Jerry Jondreau.
What was the People of Michigan v. Jondreau ruling in April 1971, and how was it a turning point in the history of the Ojibwe nations in Michigan and the United States, and also the individuals involved in the court case?
How did traditional values of sharing land and water influence the decision of the Ojibwe people to take the state of Michigan to court?
Why are the treaty rights, as they were written, important to the Ojibwe people?
What is the significance of reaffirming Ojibwe treaty rights in regard to Lake Superior versus inland waters?
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Director & Producer Finn Ryan Associate Producer Dylan Jennings, Charlie Rasmussen Cinematographer Mike Palzkill Aerial Photographer Dusan Harminc Editor Travis Whitty | Special Thanks Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Jerry Jondreau and Jondreau Family JP DeCota Sr. Robert E. Loonsfoot Michigan Technological University of Forest Resources and Environmental Science |