Why is our fish farm so unusual for the local First Nation?

The waters around Manitoulin Island have deep cultural significance for Sheshegwaning First Nation.

For time immemorial, community members have travelled these waters to fish, trade with neighbouring communities and connect with the Creator. Their history is filled with stories of fishing, boat building and life on the water.

Each opening and closing ceremony at our farm includes a moment when we bring an offering of tobacco or strawberries to the shoreline to recognize the power of the water.

Importantly, water is understood as a sacred relative with its own spirits, not simply a commodity to be owned. The same respect extends to the shoreline.

When you visit the main community in Sheshegwaning, you’ll notice it has incredible views of the water, yet no houses on the shoreline. Community members have shared with us that people do not build their homes right on the shoreline because they believe no one person should own or control that space. The shoreline belongs to everyone.

So when the community began exploring a new fish farm partnership, they told us it required careful consideration because the farm would need its own access to the Sheshegwaning shoreline.

Community leaders have explained that they were not simply looking for a business to set up shop. They were looking for a partner that would be welcomed into the community to share the shoreline and this sacred resource. A partner that would respect and protect the water for future generations, and one that would welcome the community onto the farm through ceremony, tours, employment and, most importantly, fishing!

Although we make use of the shoreline, we are careful not to block access for anyone in the community. Everyone is welcome to come down to fish, chat or see what is happening at the farm. And they do! Outside visitors often remark on the number of trucks, quads and bikes that stop by regularly.

On our farm hoodies, we wear the words “Mshkoojiwon, Mshkoozii giigoonh!” which means, “Strong water gives us strong fish.”

We could not be more honoured to grow fish within this sacred place.