Forest County Potawatomi

The Potawatomi, or Keeper of the Fire, belong to an alliance known as the “Three Fires” that was started long ago among three brothers who shared similar lands and backgrounds. All are of the Anishinabe and live in the eastern part of North America. After various wars and migrations, the tribes moved to the Great Lakes Area. The oldest brother, Chippewa (Ojibwa), was given the responsibility of Keeper of the Faith. The middle brother, Ottawa (Odawa), was the Keeper of the Trade, and the youngest brother, Potawatomi (Bode Wad Mi), was responsible for keeping the Sacred Fire; hence the name, “Keeper of the Fire.”

The Forest County Potawatomi Reservation contains approximately 12,000 acres of checkerboard land in Forest County. Once landless due to a series of treaties, the tribe has lived here since they purchased the land in 1913. Currently, the Potawatomi Tribe consists of approximately 1,200+ tribal members, of which about half reside on or near the reservation. Along Highway 8 is an historical marker identifying the “Northern Highlands,” a beautiful glacially carved region of lakes and streams swimming with fish, together with forests rich with wildlife. Located on tribal lands near Crandon is Sugar Bush Hill. At 1,950 feet above sea level, Sugar Bush Hill is the second highest point in Wisconsin. From it, one can observe an incredible panoramic view of the surrounding forests and lakes.

The Potawatomi Cultural Center and Museum is a great place to learn more about the tribe, its native lands, and fascinating history and culture. It houses an archive, a library, a cultural hall and a 2,700 square foot permanent exhibit entitled: “People of the Three Fires.” tribe is experiencing an unprecedented era of growth and prosperity. The Potawatomi Bingo/ Northern Lights Casino is located on Highway 32 just north of Carter, Wisconsin. Adjacent to it is the Indian Springs Lodge. Nearby are the Potawatomi Convenience Store and Smoke Shop. On U.S. Highway 8 four miles east of Crandon is the Fire-Up Smoke Shop, which carries not only tobacco products, but a large variety of fireworks and Native American arts and crafts as well. The Potawatomi have also recently opened a new Health and Wellness Center.

Travel north on Highway H out of Wabeno and you will find the Potawatomi Red Deer Ranch. These red deer are raised for market and nearly 100% of each animal is utilized. The Ranch is open for tours. It is quite exciting to see hundreds of deer and especially the large stags with their huge antlers, some weighing up to 800 pounds.

Pow wow’s are held at various times during the year and the public is welcome. The main Pow-wows are held in March and August. A telephone call to the tribal center is suggested for the exact dates and times. Crandon, also located in Forest County, is the site of the famous Chevy Truck World Championship Off-Road Races. The Spring Run 101 is held in June and the “Brush Run,” in September. In the winter, the track is used for world class Snowcross races as well. The Forest County Potawatomi tribe is a proud sponsor of these exciting events.

Tribal gaming operations have expanded to include the notable Potawatomi Casino & Bingo in downtown Milwaukee, a popular entertainment venue that caters to meetings and banquets as well.

For more information about Forest County Potawatomi, call (800) 777- 1640 or (800) 960- 5479. Or visit our award winning website www.fcpotawatomi.com.

Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

Lac du Flambeau is a premiere place to visit for those seeking an exciting cultural and hands-on historical experience. Ojibwe culture is alive and well-respected in this community which has much to offer in the ways of both nightlife and outdoor living. Come to Lac du Flambeau to have a quiet walk in the woods, an exciting game of blackjack at the casino, or an authentic cultural experience at the local Ojibwe museum. This is one of the unique places in the world where the balance of natural resources and modern development co-exist to protect future generations.

The rich history and culture of the Lac du Flambeau reservation brings the past alive into the present. Many years ago, the ancient Ojibwe came from the Big Salt Water in the East. Their migration was prophesied to end where they found food that grew on water. This food they found was wild rice, which continues to be a staple in the Ojibwe diet. Fish were also abundant and were harvested by the light of a flaming torch; thus the name Lake of the Torches. The Ojibwe name for this region was Waswagoning, meaning, “A place where they spear fish by torch light.”

During the summer months, visitors to the reservation can experience what it was like in the old days at Waswagoning Village. Experience Ojibwe culture at the George W. Brown, Jr. Museum. Pow-wow’s are held each Tuesday evening where you can watch or take part in the celebration of life, dancing to the rhythm of the drum, the heartbeat of the earth. Simple surroundings near the water’s edge and traditional dance regalia accompany beautiful sunsets and gentle evening breezes. Old songs and dances float across the lakes, reminding us of the hundreds of years of continued Ojibwe presence. It’s a fun and friendly event for the whole family where you will be invited to dance with the dancers.

The George W. Brown, Jr. Museum also offers top- notch exhibits dovetailing the old ways and the new ways into a holistic picture of Ojibwe life and history. The museum displays many rare artifacts while at the same time represents the present day in multi- media displays. An informational video is offered to show how tribal tradition is still maintained today. The video shows the harvesting of wild rice, fish, and wild game and other traditions that the Ojibwe still practice.

For those visitors with outdoor ambitions, Lac du Flambeau offers hundreds of lakes, streams and rivers which are ideal for recreational water sports and abundant with a variety of fish. In fact, a visit to the local fish hatchery guarantees catching a fish in the trout pond. Local fishing guides are available and can add an interesting perspective to your expeditions. Travel for miles on beautiful snowmobile trails through the scenic woods and over the lakes for winter sport enthusiasts.

A variety of special events are available year-round in Lac du Flambeau ranging from the annual Bear River Pow-wow to top entertainment acts at the Lake of the Torches Resort Casino. You can stay in comfort at the Casino Hotel or bring your camper and pitch a tent at the Lac du Flambeau Tribal Campground on Flambeau Lake.

The lakes, rivers and woodlands team with culture and modern amenities to make Lac du Flambeau one of the most popular destinations in north central Wisconsin. It is a place where you can visit the historic past while enjoying one of the most popular recreation areas of the beautiful northwoods. Whether your interest is in culture, fishing, swimming, or recreation, Lac du Flambeau has something for everyone all year round. You are welcome in Lac du Flambeau to experience our history, heritage, and culture.

William J. Poupart, Sr. Fish Hatchery & Trout Pond

The Lac du Flambeau Fish Hatchery was established in 1936. It is located on Pokegema Lake on Highway 47. The emphasis is on raising walleye and musky to stock in reservation lakes that are open for public fishing. Both lake and well water is used to control temperatures for year round production.

Fish eggs are harvested from local lakes and hatched in incubators. Some of the fry hatched are put back into area lakes and some are raised to fingerling size and then released. The fish culture program raises all fish necessary for stocking reservation waters. Since 1960 the hatchery has raised nearly 600 million walleye fry, three million walleye fingerlings, two and a half million muskellunge fry and just over one hundred and twenty-five thousand muskellunge fingerlings.

The original structure was recently replaced with a new state-of-the-art facility that doubles fish production.

In the summer months you can fish in the trout pond even without a fishing license. It is fun for the whole family and your fish are bagged while you wait.

Group tours can be arranged by calling ahead for an appointment at (715) 588-9603.

Lac du Flambeau Famous Eagle

A Civil War Legend

The most famous bird in American history came from the Waswagoning area, now known as the Lac du Flambeau Indian Reservation. In 1861, The Lac Du Flambeau Indians were on their annual spring expedition into the maple sugar bush of the northern forests. Chief Sky, the son of Chief Thunder-of-Bees, encountered two baby eaglets way up atop the pines and took them down. As the people traveled down river they came upon the home of Dan McCann to whom they gave the baby eaglet who would one day become the famous “Old Abe”.

McCann cared for the eagle until it became older and decided to present the special eagle to the Union soldiers of Wisconsin. McCann presented Old Abe to the 8th Wisconsin Regiment at Eau Claire. After accepting the eagle, the company changed their name from the Badgers to the War Eagles and Old Abe served as their mascot for many years.

As a part of the War Eagle Company, Old Abe became more famous each day and provided a great source of pride to the men of the Wisconsin 8th. Abe was carried into battle on a perch in the same way as the American Flag. He withstood battles in Wisconsin, Illinois, Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee. After the war ended, Old Abe traveled across the country and attended national conventions, centennial celebrations and many major events. Abe rested in his home in Madison, Wisconsin at the end of his life and actually resided in the Capitol building.

In recent years, Abe has been awarded honors by the U.S. government and military service. In 1999, the 8th of Wisconsin rededicated the Old Abe statue in Jim’s Falls, WI, along with a 20-mile trail in that area in his name. This famous bird, born in the beautiful north country of Lac du Flambeau, an area still abundant in eagles, was found by Chief Sky, and then spent his life with the brave soldiers and historical leaders of the United States.

Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

The Lac Courte Oreilles (LCO) Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin historically occupied a vast territory within a 100- mile radius of the present “reservation” location, 12 miles southeast of present- day Hayward, Wisconsin. The LCO people are one band of the Ojibwa Nation that originally occupied the upper eastern woodland area of the North American continent. As they migrated westward, they displaced the Sioux from the Great Lakes regions. The LCO Band of the Ojibwa Nation has since centered around the several lakes near the headwaters of the Chippewa River. The Treaty of LaPointe in 1854 established specific territorial rights of the Lac Courte Oreilles people.

The Tribal elders at that time clearly wanted to maximize the opportunity to include resources. These resources included wild rice beds and fishing on the Grindstone, Chief and Lac Courte Oreilles Lakes. The land is also rich in timber stands of oak, conifer, maple, hickory, cedar and birch. There are bountiful fishing sites on the Chippewa, Chief and Courderay Rivers, as well as hunting and trapping areas for waterfowl, deer, bear, beaver, mink, muskrat, and other game. The tribe also wished to preserve their historical water transportation routes via the Chippewa, Flambeau and Namekagon Rivers. The selection of lands resulted in a very irregularly shaped reservation, but one with clear potential, both then and now.

The Chippewa Flowage with it’s beautiful rock formations is a natural wonder. It has become a sanctuary for bald eagles, blue herons, loons, geese, swans and ducks of every kind. Lodging, boat rentals and other amenities are available at the tribally owned Herman- Landing Resort, located on the world famous Chippewa Flowage.

Lac Courte Oreilles tribal enrollment is nearly 6,000 members, of which 50 percent live at LCO in 23 different community villages. The LCO tribe occupies approximately 84,000 acres of land. The tribe owns and operates the following enterprises; K- 12 Tribal School, the LCO IGA Commercial Center, Mobil gas, Development Corporation, Community College, LCO Boys & Girls Club, several elderly centers, a cranberry marsh, 88.9 FM WOJB radio station, LCO Casino Bingo Lodge and Convention Center and Grindstone Creek Casino. Also, a beautiful living cultural center is now open. Tours are available at the cranberry marsh, college, WOJB, St. Francis Solanus Mission and in the new living culture center.

In the LCO community and surrounding Hayward area, there is something for everyone: The Honor the Earth Pow wow’s, musky and cranberry festivals, National Fresh Water Fishing- Hall of Fame, museums, game farms and riding stables, interesting shops, atmospheric supper clubs, the Lumberjack World Championships, American Birkebeiner cross- country ski race and rodeos. Hayward is also noted as the Golf Capital of Wisconsin.

For more information about the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, call the LCO Visitor Center at (715) 634- 7419 or visit www.lcotourism.com.

The Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College

The mission of the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College is to provide, within the Indian community, a system of post-secondary and continuing education with an associate and bachelor degree and certificate granting capabilities, while maintaining an open door policy.

The Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College curriculum reflects Ojibwa culture and tribal self-determination. The college-provides opportunities for individual self-improvement in a rapidly changing technological world, while maintaining the cultural integrity of the Anishinaabe. (“Original People”)

The college was founded by Tribal resolution in August of 1982. It is located in the beautiful woods of-Northern Wisconsin.

“Dream Catchers”

Native American oral tradition confirms the origin of the dream catcher lies with the Ojibwa, or Chippewa people. Ojibwa dream catchers were originally made with a 3 inch round wooden frame, filled with a web made of nettle-stalk cord that was dyed a deep red using bloodroot and wild plum inner bark. In parts of Canada and North East U.S. dream catchers are also fashioned in a teardrop shape.
Early Ojibwa women would hang a dream catcher from the hoop of their child- cradleboard. A feather adorning the dream catcher represented the air. Babies watching the air playing with the feather on their cradleboard were kept entertained.

Native Americans believe that dreams are messages from the spirit world. A dream catcher is said to attract dreams to its webs. The good spirits find their way through the center hole and float along the sacred feathers to the people sleeping below. The bad spirits get caught in the web and are melted by the morning sun.

Traditionally, Ojibwa children would receive dream catchers made of willow and sinew that were not meant to last. Eventually, the willow would dry out and the tension of the sinew collapses the dream catcher. In this way, it represents the temporary nature of youth.

Today, dream catchers are made of many different materials, each special and beautiful in their own way. They are hung from a baby- cradle and in the home so that everyone will have good dreams. Hang one in your home and allow only good dreams to enter.

Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

A visit to the Bad River Chippewa Reservation in Northwestern Wisconsin is an exciting and enlightening experience for young and old alike. More than 95 percent of the reservation’s 124,234 acres remain undeveloped and wild. It is located along Wisconsin’s northern most coast of Lake Superior - the largest freshwater lake in the world.

The Bad River Chippewa have been living in this area for hundreds of years, although the present Bad River Reservation was established by a treaty in 1854 with the United States Government. Odanah, the Chippewa word for town, has been the cultural center for generations. It is located five miles east of Ashland on U.S. Highway 2. Some newer settlements have grown, but governmental and social activities remain in this area.

The Kakagon and Bad River Sloughs, 16,000 acres of high- quality Lake Superior wetlands, have been called Wisconsin’s Everglades. It is from these sloughs that past generations of Chippewa have been able to sustain life through the harvesting of wild rice. This is done during the month of August and is followed by the Manomin Fest and Pow-wow, a true celebration of culture.

The Bad River Chippewa operate a fish hatchery, annually stocking more than 15 million walleye into reservation rivers and other area lakes and streams.

There is a monthly tribal newspaper that is published and distributed throughout the region and mailed to subscribers who want to keep up with the happenings on the Bad River Reservation.

Visitors to the reservation enjoy the Bad River Lodge and Casino facilities. The Casino recreation complex offers the music of regional bands, snack bars and a restaurant serving daily specials, plus gift and souvenir shops with genuine Indian crafts and monthly promotions. The entertainment center is available for conferences/workshops, wedding receptions, etc. The Lodge houses 50 beautiful rooms and Jacuzzi suites, along with a swimming pool and hot tub, and a game room for kids and adults alike.

New to the Bad River Tribe is the Moccasin Trail Center, consisting of a full- service IGA grocery store, mini-casino, gas station and convenience store, small conference room for meetings of up to 30 people and the Bad River Tribal Transportation Department. This new complex shares a parking lot with the casino on Hwy 2. RV parking is also available here.

Area events include the Chequamegon Fat Tire Race, Red Clay Classics, Bayfield Apple Festival, Ashland Snowmobile Races, ABC Raceway, Northland Folk Fest, Bay Days, Winterfest, Muskie Festival, Native American Awareness Week at Northland College (culminating with a Pow wow’s at the College), Whistle Stop, Rendezvous, the Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua (live entertainment under the big top tent), several annual fishing contests and weekly car races on the ice (on Chequamegon Bay).

The Bad River Tribal Fish Hatchery

The Bad River Tribe owns and operates a fish hatchery established in 1975. The fishery is a highly valued resource to tribal members for cultural, social, subsistence and recreational purposes. Although Reservation waters are hosts to many species of fish, the walleye is the one most valued by the membership. Therefore, the fish hatchery focuses on raising walleye. The Bad River Tribal Fish Hatchery annually stocks more than 15 million walleye into the Kakagon and Bad Rivers and other area lakes and streams.

In 2001, the fish hatchery received a grant to replace worn and outdated equipment. The grant also allowed for the purchase and installation of 40 solar panels and a wind generator. The improvements greatly enhance the economic efficiency of the hatchery, and will help to replenish a resource used heavily by both members and non-members.

Another fish that is significant to the Bad River is the lake sturgeon. Only three rivers in the United States support a self-sustaining population of lake sturgeon. In 2001, an intense monitoring program was egun to estimate the population of this species.

In 2001, the fish hatchery received a grant to replace worn and outdated equipment. The grant also allowed for the purchase and installation of 40 solar panels and a wind generator. The improvements greatly enhance the economic efficiency of the hatchery, and will help to replenish a resource used heavily by both members and non-members.

Another fish that is significant to the Bad River is the lake sturgeon. Only three rivers in the United States support a self-sustaining population of lake sturgeon. In 2001, an intense monitoring program was begun to estimate the population of this species.

Reservation history

The reservation is known in English as Bad River but the common Ojibwe name is “Mashki Ziibii”, meaning “Swampy River.” This may have been mistaken at some time in the past as “Mazhi” or “Maji” Ziibii, which would mean Bad River.

The main village of Odanah, meaning village or town in Ojibwe, was originally located at the confluence of the Bad, White and Kakagon Rivers. This area remains full of rich topsoil. The original settlement was known as “Gete Gitigaaning” meaning “at the old garden.” This is where the tribe planted their domestic crops for late summer harvest.

Up river to the south, (the rivers here flow north from the continental divide to Lake Superior) the river is lined with hard and soft Maple trees where the tribe traditionally harvested Maple Sugar. Down river to the north on the Bad and Kakagon Rivers are the tribe- rich wild rice lands.

The Kakagon, meaning “Walleye Waters,” is also home to the tribe’s walleye harvest and hatchery operations where eight to ten million walleye fry are hatched out annually.

Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

The Red Cliff Reservation was created through a series of treaties between the Lake Superior Chippewa and the United States. The Red Cliff Tribe descended from the Madeline Island Chippewa Tribe. Today’s reservation began as a small fishing village and the home of Chief Waub-O-Jeeg in the early 19th century. The Treaty of LaPointe established the Red Cliff Reservation in 1854 as a land grant to Chief Buffalo, principal Chief of the Lake Superior Band of Chippewas. The Reservation was expanded in 1866 by executive order of President Andrew Johnson.

Red Cliff is known as “the hub of the Chippewa Nation.” The reservation is approximately one mile wide and 14 miles long, located at the top of the Bayfield Peninsula, on the shores of Lake Superior in northern Wisconsin. Tribal offices and businesses are located in the village of Red Cliff, which is three miles north of Bayfield Wisconsin, a popular tourist community adjacent to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. There are more than 1,000 people living on the reservation, primarily Native American.

Each July 4th weekend, the Red Cliff Pow-wow takes place across from Isle Vista Casino. The Pow-wow is a social occasion and an opportunity for good times, a chance to renew friendships and make new ones. A Pow-wow is an exhibition of virtuoso dancing with opportunities to participate, allowing participants and spectators alike to affirm the joy of life and the dignity of a living culture, while getting back in touch with the heartbeat of Mother Earth. The Red Cliff Pow-wow is open to all. Located in the heart of the reservation, along the shores of beautiful Lake Superior, is the Red Cliff Campground and Marina. It is within walking distance of the Isle Vista Casino, where indoor fun and excitement abound. Blackjack, slot machines, fine food and drink and live entertainment are the normal fare. The Isle Vista Casino offers the visitor a unique opportunity to learn about the Ojibwe culture during Cultural Days weekend, usually held the last weekend in July. This event is an open invitation for visitors to experience and share in such cultural expressions as a mini Pow-wow, arts and craft demonstrations and displays, hands on children’s events, and a feast for everyone.

The Isle Vista Casino makes a great stopping off point for snowmobilers and sightseers alike. Red Cliff is connected to the Bayfield County system of groomed snowmobile trails. Groceries and fuel are available.

No matter what time of year, you will find great things to do for the entire family - exotic ice caves in winter and sandy beaches in the summer.

Great Buffalo Chief of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians

Great Buffalo was the hereditary chief of the LaPointe Ojibwes during the first half of the nineteenth century. He was well respected for his personal integrity, wisdom in council, power as an orator, and as a warrior. He went to Washington on several occasions and was especially prominent in the fight against the removal in 1849-1852. He signed the Treaty of 1854 that gave his people the Red Cliff Reservation in northwestern Wisconsin.

Great Buffalo, also known as Chief Ke-che-waish-kee, Chief LeBoeuf, or Great Firstborn, was born about 1759 on Madeline Island, one of the Apostle Islands in southwestern Lake Superior. Great Buffalo was head of the Loon totem, which claimed to be the leading, or royal family among Ojibwes.

Great Buffalo was baptized into the Catholic church on December 25, 1835 by Bishop Baraga at LaPointe. His godparents were Michael and Julia Cadotte. He died December 25, 1855 on Madeline Island. Two days later his casket was carried from his home at Middle Fort and taken to the nearby cemetery with a large assembly of Ojibwes following. After the chief- burial, Benjamin Armstrong ordered and placed a tombstone, which stands to this day, although damaged. His son, John Buffalo, eventually succeeded Great Buffalo as principal chief at the Red Cliff reservation. Over his lifetime, Great Buffalo witnessed a century of land loss by the Ojibwe people.

Chief Buffalo is remembered amid the splendor of the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C., where his image is part of the large art collection honoring figures. Great Buffalo is one of three notable Wisconsin men represented; the others are Robert M. La Follette Sr., and Father Marquette. There are two busts of Chief Buffalo, one of marble carved from life in 1855, and one copied in bronze.