Support Tribal fisherwoman Cindi John after Walmart assault
Our region is sadly in news again due to the mass stabbing of eleven people on Saturday at the Traverse City Walmart by the alleged perpetrator Bradford James Gille who will reportedly face charges of terrorism and assault with intent to murder.
The Glen Arbor Sun shares that all 11 are expected to survive. One of those assaulted is Cindi John, who owns and operates Treaty Fish Co. in Peshawbestown with her husband Ed. Their daughter Ruby posted the news on Facebook & has shared that you can make donations to help Cindi and the family @Ruby-John-23 on Venmo.
Like the Sun, Leelanau.com would prefer to focus on helping the victims so please meet the folks who have delivered my favorite fish for years:
The Johns, who are members of Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, have owned and operated their beloved, tribal commercial fishery since 1989. They typically sell their fresh and smoked lake trout fillets and patties at Arthur Duhamel Marina in Peshawbestown or on Saturdays at the Sara Hardy Farmers Market in Traverse City. However, the need for boat repairs earlier this month have prevented them from fishing.
Earlier this month they received a 2025 Michigan Heritage Award from the Michigan Traditional Arts Program at Michigan State University. The awards “recognize individuals who masterfully uphold their family, community, or cultural folk traditions.”
Last year Treaty Fish Co. became the second Leelanau-based fishery—after Carlson’s in Leland—to sign a compact committing to use 100 percent of each Great Lakes-caught fish. The 100% Great Lakes Fish initiative exists “to find new and innovative ways to use the whole fish in order to reduce waste, create more value and jobs, and support rural economic development.”
Their daughter Ruby John, an accomplished Native American fiddler, was profiled by Kathleen Stocking in the Glen Arbor Sun in 2017.
You can get fish from Treaty Fish Co at the Arthur Duhamel Marina in Peshawbestown Hours 4-6pm Wed-Friday (Fresh Lake Trout Filets and Patties) and at the Sara Hardy Farm Market in Traverse City on Saturdays from 7:30-Noon.
