GLIFWC Board Chairman on Taking of Elk for Ceremony

A statement from Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission (GLIFWC) Board of Commissioners Chairman Michael J. Isham Jr. about the taking of an elk for an upcoming intertribal Thanksgiving ceremony

It has been my sincere honor to issue a ceremonial harvest permit for an intertribal hunting party to harvest one bull elk (omashkooz) in the Wisconsin ceded territory. Ojibwe tribes consider this harvest to be a matter of spiritual and ceremonial significance in the fulfillment of their cultural obligation to aki (the earth) and all that She provides. As the Anishinaabe pay respect and honor their relationship to the omashkooz, they express gratitude to the important connection that elk play in a healthy ecosystem.

The tribes are truly grateful to all their partners who have played a role in the reintroduction of this species. This ceremonial harvest is an integral aspect of the continued success of the reintroduction project based upon the principles of Anishinaabe teachings, traditions and customary tribal law.

Contact: Sue Erickson, GLIFWC Public Information Director, (715) 682-6619, ext. 2105

Click here for the GLIFWC statement online