A new app helps users choose their fish wisely.
SAULT STE. MARIE, Michigan-—The Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan (ITCMI) in partnership with The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) has released the updated version of the Gigiigoo'inaan Application (App for iPhones, AndroidS, or similar Smart devices) to guide users in their fish-eating choices throughout the Great Lakes and Bemidji Region waterways. Environmental exposures in the waterways such as PBT or Mercury can disturb human health. The Gigiigoo'inaan "Our Fish" App makes personalized recommendations for safe fish consumption based on the user's biological sex, weight, portion size, and the waterway where fish is coming from.
The input for the design and content of the app came from representatives from the 5 Chippewa Ottawa Resource Authority (CORA) tribes; Bay Mills Indian Community, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.
Features of the app support help users of all ages and life phases make informed choices regarding fish consumption by providing personalized recommendations for fish harvested from Lakes Huron, Michigan, Superior, Inland Lakes and even store-bought fish. The app includes details of the fish's habitat, behaviors and in some circumstances, gaming regulations to support sustainable harvesting. The app also features simple and affordable fish recipes from the local regions. A significant and valued feature of the App is that it DOES NOT collect or store any personal data.
Fish are more than just a healthy food source for the Anishinaabe. Cherished fishing traditions are threatened by environmental risks. This work is significant because it addresses the need for effective fish consumption advice for the Anishinaabe whose tribal governments oversee treaty-related natural resource practices in Northern Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.
This app is the result of a multi-year project aimed at developing culturally tailored advice to encourage consumption of less contaminated species of fish among Native American Anishinaabe peoples and waterways. However, this app supports safe fish consumption for people of all races.
The app was previously tested in Michigan tribal communities in 2019 and reviewed again in 2023. It was observed that app users reported improved confidence, increased fish consumption and increased understanding of environmental health in response to the Gigiigoo'inaan "Our Fish" App. The Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan and the Medical College of Wisconsin are grateful for the input and support provided by the Anishinaabe people, which makes this resource available for all.
Those looking for more information on the Gigiigoo'inaan "Our Fish" app https://www.itcmi.org/fishapp.
