Facebook Twitter Email
JULY 5, 2000

An update on the case of US V Michigan, a fishing rights dispute between five Michigan tribes and the state of Michigan is expected today.

In September of 1999, US District Judge Richard Enslen had ordered the parties involved to continue negotiations over a 1985 agreement which set fishing rules for the tribes and state anglers on Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Superior. The agreement expired on May 31 of this year.

The update could send the case to trial or announce an agreement over the major issues of the dispute. The latest round of mediation has concerned the use of gill nets and treaty rights fishing in Grand Traverse Bay.

Non-Indian fisherman have opposed the use of gill nets. The tribes claim rights to fish on the ceded lands under an 1836 treaty with the United States.

The tribes involved are the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa, the Bay Mills Indian Community, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians and the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians.

Get the Story:
Update on tribal fishing negotiations expected Wednesday (AP 7/4)