Chippewa Spearfishing, Lake Property Owner/Anglers, and Tourism—A Case Study of Environmental Social Conflict

Abstract

This article explores ethnic relations surrounding an environmental issue by focusing on Chippewa spearfishing in northern Wisconsin and its impact on local lake property owner/anglers, merchants, fishing guides, and Department of Natural Resources representatives. Tourism has suffered since court rulings have legalized off-reservation spearfishing. These court rulings recognize Chippewa treaty rights going back to 1837. The walleye, a prized fish in this region, has become increasingly scarce and is the focus in this environmentally based social conflict. Using a social constructionist perspective and interviews with 55 persons involved in this controversy, the main features of the conflict are isolated and interpreted, and suggestions are offered for its amelioration. The various stakeholders involved in the dispute have framed the decline in walleye catch in different ways and have made claims that each of their views is valid. For the Chippewa, walleye depletion is an angler problem, and their spearing is claimed to be a sacred entitlement; for the non-Native people, spearfishing is claimed to be an unfair Chippewa privilege that contributes to the decline in walleye catch. These divergent sentiments and interests are shown to be mired in cultural misunderstandings, physical separation between the Chippewa and the non-Native people, and a history of poor social relations.