Bemidji Becomes Ground Zero in Fishing Rights Case

Two bands of Minnesota Ojibwe will make their feelings known on fishing and hunting rights in Bemidji today.

The Leech Lake and White Earth bands will demonstrate on the shores of Lake Bemidji. The bands want to reclaim hunting and fishing rights under an 1855 treaty, similiar to the successfull efforts of the Ojibwe on Mille Lacs Lake.

The tribal governments want to pursuit a diplomatic solution, while a grass roots effort is willing to fish before the season to stress their point. Both demonstrations will be on Lake Bemidji a few miles apart.

The DNR says anyone fishing illegally will be ticketed, saying the courts will decide the larger issue.