Leech Lake fishermen plan treaty rights protest this Friday

Some members of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Indians of Minnesota are going ahead with the Great Anishinaabe Fish-Off this Friday.

The fisherman plan to set nets in Lake Bemidji the day before the state season opens. They expect to be arrested for fishing off the reservation.

"We need to exercise our rights or our sovereignty is just a thought,'' Renée Jones-Judkins, 52, told The Minneapolis Star Tribune. She plans to be on the water with her four sons.

The Leech Lake Band and the White Earth Band of Ojibwe Indians have asked the state to co-manage off-reservation resources. They are not supporting the fishing protest.

Get the Story:
Some in the split Leech Lake Chippewa band may force a showdown with the state (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 5/11)

Related Stories:
MPR: Great Anishinaabe Fish-Off still planned in Minnesota (05/04)
Ojibwe tribes request comanagement of treaty resources (4/27)
Column: White Earth leader prefers diplomacy on treaty (4/26)
Leech Lake Band won't take part in treaty rights protest (4/23)
Chippewa Tribe of Minnesota plans fishing rights protest (4/21)