Tribal fisherwoman Cindi John recovering after stabbings at Traverse City Walmart
Cindi, Ed and Ruby John. Photo courtesy of Facebook
From staff reports
Cindi John, who owns and operates Treaty Fish Co. in Leelanau County together with her husband Ed, is recovering after being attacked on Saturday, July 26, at the Traverse City Walmart. Their daughter Ruby posted the news on Facebook early Sunday morning.
Eleven people were stabbed by the alleged perpetrator Bradford James Gille, who was subdued by fellow shoppers in the parking lot and is currently in police custody in Grand Traverse County. He may face charges of terrorism and assault with intent to murder. All 11 victims are expected to survive.
The attacks, which made national news, rattled the northern Michigan community at the height of the busy summer tourism season.
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.
Those hoping to support the John family during this difficult time can send a donation to Ruby John at this Venmo platform.
