The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians filed a motion to join a lawsuit over Asian carp, an invasive species.

Five states are suing the federal government and the city of Chicago over efforts to limit the impact of the carp. The tribe wants to ensure that its treaty rights are protected throughout the litigation.

"Historically, fishing played a central role in the spiritual and cultural framework of Native American life," the tribe said in the brief, the Associated Press reported. "Not only are the Great Lakes fish culturally important to the tribes, these communities depend upon fisheries resources for their livelihoods."

A hearing in the case is set for September 7.

Get the Story:
Michigan Indian tribes join fight against Asian Carp (MPRN 8/31)
Grand Traverse Band joins Asian carp lawsuit (Upper Michigans Source 8/31)
Michigan-based Indian tribe wants to intervene in 5 states' lawsuit demanding carp crackdown (AP 9/1)