Fishing to highlight Indigenous culture

March 6, 2018

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The Equity

While the day of fishing may not prove successful financially for the group, Chief Roger Fleury said that the day is great exposure and an opportunity to see old friends and neighbours. Pictured: Fleury thanks the group for their participation before distributing prizes.

The Algonquins Off-Reserve, Fort Coulonge held their annual fishing tournament on the Grand Marais on Saturday, where over 60 anglers dropped their lines through the ice. From left: The winners for the day included Benoit Ladouceur, Sebastien Fortin, Gaetan Soucie, event organizer Roger Fleury, Maria Boucher and Randy Boucher.

Donald Teuma-Castelletti
MANSFIELD March 3, 2018
Lines were dropped into the Grand Marais all Saturday long as a fishing tournament at the organizing group sought to highlight the traditional practice of joining in the communal activity.
Just over 60 anglers hit the river, joining Algonquins Off-Reserve, Fort Coulonge for their annual event that saw prizes distributed to the kid and adult divisions alike.
“We do this for the culture,” said Roger Fleury, Chief of the band. “We’ve always held this fishing tournament because fishing and hunting is traditional [activities].”
Fleury explained that by continuing to host events that work as community builders, the Algonquins Off-Reserve hope to share their message of respect for the land and traditional Indigenous lifestyles. He further said that fishing would be an activity that benefits the entire community, as the fruits of their labour would be shared amongst the whole community.
“We don’t say, I caught a big fish and you can eat your minnow, we share,” said Fleury.

As well, Fleury said the day serves the purpose of seeing old friends and neighbours, who are sometimes missed as days and weeks get busier.
“We like our neighbours, we like to see everyone coming in,” said Fleury.
While this tournament may not be financially lucrative for the group, Fleury said that money raised will help with their many issues of raising awareness and promotion of their causes.
“This may not cover our costs, but the idea is to be seen, so they know we exist,” said Fleury.
While the winds were strong, everyone fishing stayed bundled up, hoping for the next big bite. Perseverance proved lucky for some, with prizes distributed to the biggest, second biggest and smallest catches of the day.
Randy Boucher took home the prize for biggest fish, with his catch of 2 lbs., 15 oz., while Gaetan Soucie was right behind him, with his fish weighing 2 lbs., 11 oz. Benoit Ladouceur won himself a nice prize, catching the smallest fish at 1 lb., 5 oz.
For the kids, Sebastien Fortin caught the biggest fish and Maria Boucher reeled in the little one with her smallest catch of the day.

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