Natural Resources

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Grand Traverse Band

Natural Resources Department

3505 Putnam Road Peshawbestown, MI 49682

To protect and enhance the natural resources and environment entrusted to us by the Creator for managed and respected utilization by Anishinabek for past, present, and future generations.

2021 Natural Resources Department Presentation

IMMEDIATE NRD/NREC NEWS:

NREC Vacancy - Click Here to Read More

ITCM App for Fish Eaters - The Anishinaabe Gigiigoo'inaan "Our Fish" App

SAULT STE. MARIE, MICHIGAN -- The Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan (ITCMI) in partnership with The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) has released the updated version of the Gigiigoo’inaan Application (App for iPhones, AndroidS, or similar Smart devices) to guide users in their fish-eating choices throughout the Great Lakes and Bemidji Region waterways.

Environmental exposures in the waterways such as PBT or Mercury can disturb human health. The Gigiigoo’inaan “Our Fish” App makes personalized recommendations for safe fish consumption based on the user's biological sex, weight, portion size, and the waterway where fish is coming from.

The input for the design and content of the app came from representatives from the 5 Chippewa Ottawa Resource Authority (CORA) tribes; Bay Mills Indian Community, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.

Features of the app support help users of all ages and life phases make informed choices regarding fish consumption by providing personalized recommendations for fish harvested from Lakes Huron, Michigan, Superior, Inland Lakes and even Store-bought Fish. The app includes details of the fish's habitat, behaviors and in some circumstances gaming regulations to support sustainable harvesting. The app also features simple and affordable fish recipes from the local regions. A significant and valued feature of the App is that it DOES NOT collect or store any personal data.

Fish are more than just a healthy food source for the Anishinaabe. Cherished fishing traditions are threatened by environmental risks. This work is significant because it addresses the need for effective fish consumption advice for the Anishinaabe whose tribal governments oversee treaty-related natural resource practices in Northern Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. This app is the result of a multi-year project aimed to develop culturally tailored advice to encourage consumption of low contaminated species of fish among Native American Anishinaabe peoples and waterways. However, this app supports safe fish consumption for people of all races.

The app was previously tested in Michigan tribal communities in 2019 and reviewed again in 2023/2023. It was observed that app users reported improved confidence, increased fish consumption and increased understanding of environmental health in response to the Gigiigoo'inaan “Our Fish” App. The Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan and the Medical College of Wisconsin are grateful for the input and support provided by the Anishinaabe people which makes this resource available for all.

Those looking for more information on the Gigiigoo’inaan “Our Fish” app https://www.itcmi.org/fishapp

Read More Here

FishPass NEWS

June-July 2024 update from the FishPass Team, CLICK HERE

Michigan Supreme Court Denies Leave to Appeal FishPass Case

On August 22, 2023, the Michigan Supreme Court denied leave to appeal in the FishPass case, which confirms the Court of Appeals decision and allows the City of Traverse City to implement the project. Read more below.

Read More Here

2025 Elk Lottery WINNERS

- To Be Determined -

The Elk lottery is open between May 1st to June 1st.

You can contact NRD for more information or submit an application at the bottom of this page if you have an updated Hunting/Fishing/Gathering/Trapping License and meet all Elk Hunting Regulation requirements.

2025 Nme' Sturgeon Lottery Winners

Darylin Berryman & Leiha Van Aken

Renewal Stickers 2025-2026

All GTB Hunting, Fishing, Gathering & Trapping Licenses expire April 1^st

Please call, email or go to our new online app for your 2025/2026 renewal sticker.

Make sure your information is up to date, so you don't miss out on any of your Treaty Rights information and opportunities.

Note: We do not have a shared database with Membership so your information will need to be changed with NRD as well.

231-534-7500 NRD@gtb-nsn.gov hunt.gtbindians.org

Immediate Ban on Deer Baiting, Feeding, and Attractants (Current for 2023)

Due to the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) into the 1836 treaty ceded territory, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Tribal Council, upon the recommendation of the Natural Resources and Environmental Committee and the Natural Resources Department, has issued an immediate ban on the use of baiting, feeding, or other chemical attractants for deer. Information on CWD can be found at www.michigan.gov/emergingdiseases. Questions or concerns should be directed to the Natural Resources Department in person, or by telephone at 231-534-7500.