Métis across the Homeland relied on fishing for sustenance throughout the year. Not only did fishing provide food to Métis communities, but it was also relied upon by many as an essential economic practice.
During the winter months, Métis along Northern Lake Superior had to be creative if they were going to continue fishing on the frozen lakes and waterways. One common practice was ice spearfishing.
In January 1840, for instance, an ice spear fishery in Michipicoten Bay yielded a small but welcome harvest of trout, as there was a great need for fish that winter.
The saviour was local Métis fisherman Toussaint Boucher. He speared his first catch on January 24th under dangerous conditions, leading the officer at the Michipicoten Post, Roderick McKenzie, to comment:
“Touissant Boucher speared 5 trout under the ice today, certainly at some risk to life since it is not (the ice) above 2 ½ inches thick.’ He speared three more on 30 January, 5 on 9 March, 13 on the 10th, 7 on 11th, and 6 on the 12th. ‘Goulait (the Indian)’ then took over spear fishing until April 1, while Boucher was away carrying the winter packet to St. Marys.”
Because of Toussaint Boucher and many other skilled Métis fishermen across the Homeland, entire communities could thrive during the winter months. Many of these critical Métis skills continue to be practiced today.