Otipemisiwak Métis Government: Fish Community Monitoring
Understanding fish health through community monitoring with Askîy Guardians
Introduction
In response to Métis Citizens' environmental concerns, including those about fish health, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government has created a series of monitoring programs to help protect the natural resources Métis people rely upon. Together, these programs are known as the Askîy Initiative.
Scroll down to learn how the Otipemisiwak Métis Government's Askîy Fish Health Community Monitor program was built.
Building Our Fish Health Community Monitor Program
February 2021
Otipemisiwak Métis Government staff and Métis harvesters used traditional ice fishing methods to study fish health at five lakes across Alberta. Since harvesters brought sampled fish home to consume, staff could only observe the external health of each fish.
March 2021
Métis harvesters completed Askîy Fish Palatability surveys, which asked for their observations when cooking and filleting the sampled fish.
April 2021
After collecting the Palatability surveys, staff realized the value of Citizen-observed fish health data. Plans began to make the Askîy Fish Palatability survey available to all Métis Citizens through an online database.
June 2021
Three forms became available to Citizens: Askîy Fishing Trip Report, Askîy Fish Measurement & Health Report, and Askîy Fish Palatability Report.
Our Fish Health Community Monitor Report Forms
Each report form was designed and reviewed by Métis harvesters, members of the Askîy Advisory Committee, and a social scientist. Community Monitors who fill out and submit these report forms are affectionately known as Askîy Guardians.
What We've Learned So Far
Where do Askîy Guardians go to fish?
Since we launched the Fish Health Community Monitor project in 2021, our Askîy Guardians have submitted fish health reports from 120 unique waterbodies. Scroll down to explore some of these locations on the map below.
How do Askîy Guardians' fishing activities change seasonally?
Why do Askîy Guardians go fishing?
What methods do Askîy Guardians use to fish?
Who do Askîy Guardians go fishing with?
What did Askîy Guardians notice about fish health?
How do Askîy Guardians use the fish they harvest?
Get Involved - Become An Askîy Guardian
2021
41 forms submitted
2022
418 forms submitted
2023
442 forms submitted
2024
Submit details of your fishing activities and help us build a growing network of Askîy Guardians.
