A tribe in the Upper Peninsula will be screening a film on their efforts to manage a sustainable fishery.
Sacred Waters is a 15-minute documentary that describes the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians' connection to the Great Lakes and whitefish restoration efforts.
The tribe released more than 45,000 whitefish and more than a million walleye into the wild this past year. The short documentary film showcases their fish-stocking program and commercial tribal fishing practices.
Sault Tribe Chairman Austin Lowes said the film was commissioned in response to misinformation about tribal fishing practices, and it's meant to showcase initiatives to ensure fisheries are around for the next seven generations.
"If you're eating fish, especially whitefish, at a restaurant, chances are, a tribal fisherman from one of the 1836 tribes caught that fish," Lowes said.
The film screening will be held at 6 p.m. on Oct. 21 at the Sault Ste. Marie Kewadin Casino DreamMakers Theater.
The screening will include traditional ceremonies and a panel discussion with the tribe fisheries team. The event is free, but seats are limited, so registration is recommended.
"Regardless of whether you're Native American, a Sault tribe member or a nonnative person, you should be concerned about the fisheries," Lowes said. "One, it's our environment, and two, it's where a lot of people depend on getting their food."
