Mnjikaning Fish Weirs, Native American fishing structure in Atherley Narrows, Canada.
The Mnjikaning Fish Weirs are an archaeological site of submerged wooden stakes arranged across the channel connecting two lakes. The stakes were positioned strategically to redirect fish into shallow holding areas where they could be harvested.
These fish traps were built around 4500 years ago during the early period of human settlement in North America. Archaeological studies of the wood remains show that they were constructed from cedar, maple, and birch and remained in use across many generations.
The Anishinaabe communities relied on these fish traps across generations as a foundation for survival and cultural continuity. Visitors today can observe how traditional fishing methods were woven into the rhythm of life in this waterway.
Access is available via a path from Bridge Street that leads under the Highway 12 bridge to a viewing platform. From there, visitors can observe the submerged structures and the waterway connecting the two lakes.
The stakes are made from eastern white cedar, sugar maple, and white birch wood, materials that proved especially durable in this aquatic environment. The fact that these wood types survived underwater for thousands of years provides archaeologists with rare insights into ancient construction techniques.
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