The Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Michigan holds a unique place within the broader tapestry of the Ojibwe (Chippewa) Nation. Their history is interwoven with the lands of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, particularly the area surrounding Lac Vieux Desert (Old Desert Lake), a significant geographical and cultural landmark. This article aims to provide an informative overview of the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Michigan, tracing their origins, highlighting their journey to federal recognition, and describing their contemporary presence.
Historical Overview: From Keweenaw Bay to Independent Recognition
The story of the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Michigan begins as part of the larger Keweenaw Bay Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians. The people resided primarily in the vicinity of Watersmeet, Michigan, a location strategically situated near the headwaters of several important river systems. Watersmeet derives its name from this very confluence, serving as a vital crossroads for travel and trade routes used for centuries.
Prior to European contact, the Ojibwe people, also known as the Chippewa, Anishinaabe, or Ojibway, were a dynamic and adaptable nation. Their territory spanned a vast area around the Great Lakes, and their culture was deeply connected to the natural environment. They were skilled hunters, fishers, and gatherers, relying on the abundance of the forests and lakes for sustenance.
The Treaty of 1854 played a significant role in shaping the history of the Lac Vieux Desert Band. This treaty ceded vast tracts of Ojibwe land to the United States government, but it also established reservations for various bands. Following the treaty, a significant portion of the Lac Vieux Desert Band returned to their village near the lake from the established reservation at L’Anse. In a remarkable act of self-determination, the people of Katikitegoning pooled their resources from winter hunting yields and purchased the land they were living on when the ceded Indian lands were placed on public sale. This act demonstrated their strong connection to their ancestral territory and their commitment to maintaining their community.
Despite this purchase, the Lac Vieux Desert Band was often considered an integral part of the Keweenaw Bay Band for many years. However, a movement for greater self-governance and recognition of their distinct identity began to gain momentum in the 1960s. This marked the beginning of a long and arduous journey towards federal recognition as a separate and distinct tribal entity.
After years of persistent effort and advocacy, their dedication culminated in a landmark achievement. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians Act. This act formally recognized the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Michigan as a federally recognized tribe, granting them sovereign status and the rights and responsibilities that accompany it.
Tribal Governance and Membership
Today, the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Michigan operates under a constitution established in accordance with the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934. This constitution outlines the structure of their government, which is designed to protect the welfare of its members and manage tribal affairs.
The governing body consists of a Tribal Council, composed of five members plus executive officers. These officers include a Chairman, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. Elections are held to determine the leadership, ensuring that the tribal government is accountable to its members.
Specific details regarding tribal enrollment requirements are available through the tribal government. These requirements typically involve documenting lineal descent from an ancestor listed on the tribal rolls or meeting other criteria established by the tribe.
Location and Resources
The tribal headquarters of the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Michigan is located in Watersmeet, Michigan. The Lac Vieux Desert Reservation encompasses 1269 acres, of which 296 acres are held in federal trust. This land base serves as the foundation for the tribe’s economic development and cultural preservation efforts.
The tribe operates a variety of businesses, including a resort and casino, motel, and convenience store. These enterprises provide employment opportunities for tribal members and generate revenue that supports tribal programs and services.
Cultural Preservation and Contemporary Life
The Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Michigan is committed to preserving its rich cultural heritage. The Ojibwe language, a vital component of their identity, is actively promoted through language revitalization programs. Traditional arts and crafts, such as beadwork, birchbark weaving, and woodworking, continue to be practiced and passed down through generations.
One of the highlights of the tribal calendar is the annual Lac Vieux Desert Traditional Pow Wow, held the second weekend in August at the Old Indian Village in Watersmeet. This vibrant celebration brings together tribal members and visitors alike to honor their heritage through drumming, dancing, singing, and storytelling. It is a time for community gathering, cultural exchange, and reaffirmation of tribal identity.
The tribe also places a strong emphasis on education, healthcare, and social services for its members. Programs are in place to support academic achievement, promote healthy lifestyles, and provide assistance to those in need.
The Lac Vieux Desert to L’Anse Trail
The historical significance of the Lac Vieux Desert to L’Anse Trail cannot be overstated. This 80+ mile trail served as a vital transportation corridor for the Ojibwe people long before European contact. It provided access to major waterways, connecting Lake Superior to the Mississippi River via the Wisconsin River, and to Lake Michigan. The trail facilitated trade, communication, and cultural exchange among various communities.
French fur traders and missionaries documented the trail as early as the 17th and 18th centuries. Later, explorers, government land surveyors, miners, and loggers also used the trail. Tribal members continued to utilize the trail into the 1940s.
Recognizing the trail’s historical and cultural importance, the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Michigan partnered with the Ottawa National Forest to develop a historic preservation grant. This project aimed to identify and preserve the trail in Baraga, Houghton, Iron, and Gogebic counties.
Connection to Other Ojibwe Bands
While the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Michigan is a distinct federally recognized tribe, they maintain strong cultural ties to other Ojibwe bands throughout the Great Lakes region. Many bands include "Lake Superior Chippewa" in their official tribal names, reflecting their shared ancestry and cultural heritage.
Historically, the Ojibwe people were organized into various bands and clans, each with its own distinct identity and territory. Today, these bands are politically independent but remain culturally connected. They often collaborate on issues of common concern, such as treaty rights and resource management.
The Sandy Lake Tragedy, a devastating event that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Lake Superior Chippewa people in 1850, serves as a reminder of the challenges and injustices faced by the Ojibwe people throughout their history. This tragedy underscores the importance of preserving their history and culture for future generations.
Conclusion
The Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Michigan has overcome numerous challenges to maintain their cultural identity and exercise their sovereign rights. From their origins as part of the Keweenaw Bay Band to their hard-won federal recognition, their story is one of resilience, determination, and a deep connection to their ancestral lands. Today, the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Michigan continues to thrive as a vibrant and self-governing community, dedicated to preserving its cultural heritage, promoting the well-being of its members, and contributing to the broader community.