The Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan (ITCMI) has updated its Gigiigoo’inaan mobile app to provide guidance for users on their fish-eating choices throughout the Great Lakes and Bemidji Region waterways.
ITCMI partnered with the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) for the app update. ITCMI and MCW were concerned about environmental exposures in the waterways, including mercury and chemicals that are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT) that 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 the fish is coming from.
When developing the app, ITCMI sought input from representatives from the five 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, and Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.
ITCMI said in a press release that the app is designed to support users of all ages and life phases to make informed choices regarding fish consumption by providing personalized recommendations for fish harvested from Lakes Huron, Michigan, Superior, Inland Lakes, and 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. ITCMI also noted that the app does not collect or store any personal data.
In terms of the importance of sharing this health information, ITCMI explained that fish are more than just a healthy food source for the Tribal Nations in the region. Rather, their fishing traditions are threatened by environmental risks. According to ITCMI, the app addresses the need for effective fish consumption advice for Tribal Nations in the region.
