What is the Chippewa Ottawa Resource Authority Act (CORA)?

Emily Proctor<proctor8@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension -

Learn more about the services CORA provides.

For the Anishinaabe of Michigan Tribal Nations hunting, fishing and gathering have always been traditional methods of providing food for their communities – ensuring their health and well-being. In 2000, the sovereign nations of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, Bay Mills Indian Community and the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians entered into an agreement with the State of Michigan titled the “Chippewa Ottawa Resource Authority Act.” This act served as an inter-tribal management body for the 1836 Treaty Fishery and the Inland Lands and Waters Resources Committee to oversee inland resource matters.

CORA consists of three specific program areas: fishery management, fishery enhancement and law enforcement. Each of these areas was specifically developed to regulate, enhance and strengthen the habitat of Michigan fisheries. Citizens may engage in hunting, fishing, trapping and gathering activities on lands and inland waters within the outer boundaries of the 1836 Ceded Territory. Since the treaty period has ended, the state of Michigan has continued to build relationship between Tribal nations and the surrounding communities to actively enhance and preserve the natural resources of our great state. This is important because of tradition, history and the maintenance of natural resources for the benefit of the next seven generations.

If you have questions, please contact the CORA offices located in Sault Ste. Marie or contact one of the Tribal Nations listed above.

Other helpful websites and documents:

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

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