Building Bridges from a Mnjikaning Fish Fence Circle Perspective

    
    The fish weirs at Atherley Narrows between Lakes Simcoe and Couchiching have been known for generations but were extensively reported in the archaeological literature by Kenyon (1966) and Johnston and Cassavoy (1978) (Figure 1, Figure 2).

Figure 1: Location of Mnjikinang Fish Weirs National Historic Site of Canada, near Orillia, Ontario (Illustration courtesy of Parks Canada). Figure 2: Extent of Known Weir Stakes, Mnjikaning site (Illustration courtesy of Parks Canada).


     To accommodate the increased traffic going through Orillia to the Casino and also to meet the increased traffic demands of cottagers and vacationers travelling along this route to various locales, the Highway 12 bridge over the area where the waters narrow between Lake Simcoe and Lake Couchiching had to be expanded in the early 1990’s. At the same time as the expansion of the bridge became an issue, Parks Canada was also grappling with the issue of deterioration of fish weir stakes in an area directly under the bridge, which is part of the busy Trent-Severn Waterway.

     The site, which was designated of national significance in 1982, was being impacted by erosion, modern fishing pressures, and increased boat traffic (Figure 3). The decision to remove one area of wooden stakes, by underwater archaeology, was controversial at the time; partly to deal with the tensions brought about following the removal of over 120 of the maple, birch and cedar stakes by qualified Parks Canada underwater archaeologists, the Mnjikaning Fish Fence Circle (MFFC) was formed in 1993 and incorporated in 1996.

Figure 3: Parks Canada Marine Archaeologist measuring Wooden Weir Stakes (Photo courtesy Parks Canada).


     The purpose of the Circle is “…to honour the spirit of the sacred area known as the place of the fish fence (Mnjikaning) by fostering – through education, social and co-operative experiences – the traditions taught there of healing and harmony among all nations.” (Mnjikaning Fish Fence Circle: Mission Statement, 1993). Its members are drawn from native and non-native communities and represent municipalities, First Nations, organizations and the general public.