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Just as important
as the written record is the oral history of the Anishinaabe people,
where it is told that their nomadic ancestors visited the area during
a long migration from the Atlantic coast and learned the weir operation
from the Hurons.
“As our people
journeyed outward from the Great Falls, we discovered the Huron
Nation fishing at the narrows. We spent considerable time with the
Hurons learning all the techniques. We stayed long enough to gain
the Hurons' trust and we were given gifts symbolizing our new relationship...
[After several winters] the Anishinaabe decided that we should continue
to move westward seeking the place where the food grew on top of
the water [wild rice].” (Douglas 1998:5-6)
Later the Anishinaabe people
returned to settle in the area and became the custodians of the weirs.
Their stewardship continues to this day. Despite the modern intrusions,
the fish still congregate there in spring and fall. As a traditional
meeting place for Aboriginal peoples, the weirs location was one where
stories and goods were exchanged, treaties were made, spiritual ceremonies
were held and festivities were enjoyed, all at the “place of
the fish fence”.
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