Lake Superior our Helper - Stories from Batchewanaung Anishinabek Fisheries

Blog post by Benazir Baig

Lake Superior - Our Helper is a documentary film that tells the inspiring story of the Batchewana First Nation's struggle to claim their rights over the land that has been passed down to them by their ancestors. 

The film begins with the serenading visuals of the lake, accompanied by a monologue that explains the Anishinaabe people’s connection to the land. The monologue emphasizes that the creator entrusted them with the responsibility to care for their motherland who, in turn, would provide them with sustenance. The lake is an integral part of their lives, bringing the community together in a shared goal to protect it from the interference of external entities. 

One of the Elders remarks, “This land here is Indian land… Anishanaabe always had a spirit connection to the land and they will always have a spirit connection to this land. All the time. If we look after all those things, Lake Superior will look after us”. For the Anishinaabe people, it is their duty to protect the lake, to leave it in a better state for the future generations. 

There is current legislation by the Canadian government that imposes restrictions on the commercial fishing practices that have been undertaken by the Anishinaabe people since time immemorial. The Anishinaabe people assert that it is a territory that belongs to their people, and they push back against laws that meddle with their traditional practices and ways of life. 

The elders of the community lament the loss of basic acts of kindness, sharing, and nurturing that are fundamental for the growth of any community. The film serves as a reminder that while the earth provides us with bountiful resources, these resources are limited, and we must learn from knowledge like the Batchewana First Nation's practices if we hope to leave a livable planet for future generations. 

This film was screened at The New School as a part of the  "Food, Art, and Social Justice" event series curated and moderated by Dr. Kristin Reynolds, Chair of Food Studies, and Mike Harrington, Director of Sustainability Engagement at the Tishman Center.

You can watch the trailer below and learn more about the documentary.