Caldwell First Nation elder says fishing here is a 'dream come true'

For Anishinaabe elder Larry Johnson, fishing at the Caldwell First Nation Marina holds historical, spiritual and leisurely significance — and also offers a chance to give back. 

"It's a great honour for me to produce wild game or fish for our families," he said.

Johnson describes himself as the "protecting Spirit Man" of his community. He is Turtle Clan, a councillor with the Caldwell First Nation of southwestern Ontario. He's also been fishing since he was four years old, always casting his line with other community members in mind.

"Our [Anishinaabe] tradition of sharing is top notch. For me, that's my favourite tradition," he said.

"Whether it's sharing fish or catching a turkey or a rabbit and passing [it] on to a family, an elder, or maybe a single mom that needs food on the table, I'm on the job."

Nearing his 75th birthday, Johnson is well-known in the community and has more than a dozen great-grandchildren. Fishing at the Caldwell marina in particular is significant.

"I've been stubborn my entire life. If I get into a political fight, I never quit until we win. And we did win. And we're winning today," said Johnson.

The Caldwell marina is a newer development for the First Nation after the government of Canada returned the land to the community in 2020. Prior to the decision, Caldwell First Nation was one of three Indigenous communities that never had a reserve.

"This is a dream, a happy dream come true that goes on every day. I'm just happy beyond measure." 

The marina itself is a large, pond-like body of water just off the northern shore of Lake Erie, surrounded by eagle nests, sunning turtles and a boardwalk for all community members to enjoy. This summer, Caldwell is planning for a series of fishing derbies, with prizes given for every type of fish caught. 

Typically, Johnson takes home the prizes for the biggest catches, but says everyone has a chance.

"[One year], I had caught a twelve pound catfish, I was all set for prizes. And then this young man came to me with a silver bass, so small I didn't even weigh it. But I told him, if yours is the only silver bass for the day, you win the prize," Johnson said.

"The fish was four-and-a-half inches long. But when the contest was over, this young man got first prize."

4:38Fishing at Caldwell First Nation Marina

A day fishing on the water is extra special for members of Caldwell First Nation, who had their traditional lands returned to them just four years ago. CBC reporter Josiah Sinanan spends a day with councillor Larry Johnson at their marina.

Some of Johnson's favourites in the area include catfish and walleye. His method varies — he does use a regular fishing pole — but on some occasions he brings with him his own materials, including an ash tree branch and a hickory branch, which provide ample bend when trying for a catch. 

"I prefer the hickory because it will keep bending and bending, and to me, the more the fish bends, the more fun I have catching the fish."

Johnson also often relies on finding loose fishing wire if he's forgotten his own (which he considers a gift from the Great Spirit), collecting his own bait and utilizing other makeshift tools for a successful day out.

"As Indigenous people, we're good at improvising. Any knife is a fish knife, any string is a fishing string," he said.

"I learned this all by watching my dad. I learned by watching my maternal grandfather."

When asked what his ancestors would think about his chance to fish on Caldwell land, Johnson said. "They would say 'he's doing good, but he needs to get out there more often, catch more fish for the people.'"

The Caldwell First Nation Marina's first summer derby of the 2024 season is June 15, open to Indigenous peoples from all over the province as well as those invited.

The space is open to the general public daily, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.