Walleye are a culturally significant species of fish for Anishinabek Peoples.
So, when the walleye habitat restoration work with Longpoint First Nation in Winneway, Quebec was postponed last summer due to COVID-19, we were disappointed.
But after getting the clearance from the pandemic committee, we visited the community in the fall to reconnect and to scope out two community suggested sites for the restoration work.
One of the sites was suggested because it borders a cultural site. Every year, the community has a cultural week hosted at this site twice a year. This week is a chance to gather and to get kids out on the land and on the water.
The other site was suggested because the waterfall acts as a natural barrie. The fish would travel to this point and since they can’t go any further would spawn at this site. By restoring both of these sites, the walleye eggs and fry would have an increased chance of survival.
Restoration sites selected
In consultation with the community this summer, two sites have been identified for a walleye habitat restoration project, and two youth have been hired to work alongside Water First staff. A local mentor position is still set to be hired soon.
Approvals have been enthusiastically received from both the community and the Ministère des Forêts, Faune et Parcs to begin the project which will weave many learning components into the process of the restoration.
