Oneida fishing ceremony, March 28, 2024. PC: Fox 11 Online
ONEIDA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — It’s being called a celebration of the season.
The 31st Annual Oneida Fishing Ceremony took place Thursday near the banks of Duck Creek.
The song of honor from a quartet of drummers welcomed the sounds and sights of a crisp morning. Jerry Hill is the ceremony organizer.
“We’re going to be celebrating the return of the fish. And the gratitude we have for everything that’s been given to us, and appreciation and glad that we’re all here with each other and help each other out,” said Jerry Hill, Oneida Fishing Ceremony Organizer.
Hill says this site along Duck Creek is significant, because it ties in with an incident where Oneida citizens were arrested for fishing during a time when Ojibwe fishing confrontations were happening all over the state, and there was confusion over treaties. Oneida Tribal Chairman Tehassi Hill recalls the times.
“In the early 90s, there was a case brought before the state court, and it was about our reservation lands, and where the boundaries were, and what we could do with our boundaries. And so, we ended up winning the case, and this is a continuation of that,” said Tehassi Hill, Oneida Tribal Chairman.
And while some say the water levels on Duck Creek are a little lower than they typically are, Oneida Tribal Council Member Jonas Hill says he’s ready to fish.
“There’s a good group of members, that will net, net with a bow net, and spear. And it’s been growing over the past few years. I participate myself, and I’m excited to start with my son this year, because he’s two years old,” said Jonas Hill, Oneida Tribal Council Member.
Passing tribal traditions from one generation to the next.
Tribal leaders say they are getting reports that a couple of northern pike were seen in Duck Creek Thursday morning.
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