Case study: Applying the resist–accept–direct framework to an Ojibwe Tribe's relationship with the natural world

Abstract

AbstractOjibwe Tribes' approach to the natural world is guided by the original treaties between beings (species and spirits) and the Ojibwe people who reside in lands now known as the United States and Canada. Relationships with these beings, such as ogaa (walleye Sander vitreus), are best characterised as taking care of a relative/gift for the next seven generations of Ojibwe. Initial denial of treaty rights by the state government has strongly influenced tribes' relationship with their relatives for over 100 years. Ogaa stocks and natural reproduction have declined in the Minocqua Chain of Lakes (Wisconsin, USA) over the last 20 years. Region‐wide declines in ogaa have been attributed to many stressors such as overharvest by state‐licensed anglers, invasive species and climate change. Here, we retroactively applied the resist–accept–direct (RAD) framework to the process used to create an interjurisdictional rehabilitation plan for the Minocqua Chain of Lakes. Specifically, we cover the following: progress to date on the rehabilitation plan; subsistence, cultural and spiritual challenges associated with resisting ecosystem change; unforeseen obstacles to rehabilitation; re‐evaluation of the relationship with ogaa; unknowns; and contingency plans from a tribal perspective. Lastly, we discuss how the RAD framework could become more useful to tribes in the region.