Michael Fish Jr.
As the Regional Tribal Organizer, Mike works with the Menominee, Oneida, Stockbridge and Lac Du Flambeau communities. He is responsible for registering voters, organizing and attending events, organizing canvasses, developing partnerships with Native organizations, and recruiting poll workers.
My Story
Posoh (hello) my name is Michael Fish Jr. and my Menominee name is Maec Enaemikiw (Big Thunder).
I am bear clan. I grew up on the Menominee Reservation in Keshena, Wisconsin and spent a lot of my childhood out in our pristine forest with my father and grandfather fishing, hunting, and gathering. I continue to spend time outside hunting, fishing, and gathering – now with my children alongside me.
As I grew up, I learned the cultural and traditional practices of our Menominee people. But while growing up on our reservation, I also experienced many challenges. One thing that got me through most of my struggles as a child was the circle (at pow wows). This led me to choose the path of the Red Road (sobriety). I came to a point in my life where I knew I had to do something to help my people and make an impact for the generations to come. This path also led me to the work I continue to do today – trying to help our youth understand the importance of learning our culture and practicing our ways in their everyday lives.
I joined the Wisconsin Native Vote team in July 2023 with my people in mind. I’ve always wanted to help my people with my work. So, I am very excited to not only go into my community, but also to work with the 10 other tribes in Wisconsin. By helping and educating our Native people about the importance of voting, we can make our voices heard, and protect the resources and lands we call home.
Background
Youth Organizer at Menikanaehkem
Environmental justice advocate
Helped restore the buffalo back to the Menominee Nation
Menominee Nation Pow Wow committee member
Associate in Wood Science and Technology
Interests
In my free time, I love to be outdoors with my family, whether it's hunting, fishing, gathering, or playing at the golf course in the summer. I also travel to pow wows and round dances throughout the region, and continue to attend ceremonies and instill that within my children.
I'm a conservation voter because, for far too long, we have taken so much from Mother Earth without giving anything back. It's up to us to take care of her. “Feed the hand that feeds us.” Our ancestors made their decisions with us in mind, now it's our time to make the right decisions for our future generations.
Favorite Place in Wisconsin: A place we call “Evergreen Falls” in the heart of the Menominee Reservation. My Grandfather and father took me and my brothers here many times when we were children. Now, I take my children.
Email: mike@conservationvoices.org