The Chippewa, also known as Ojibway or Ojibwe, constitute one of the most populous groups of Indigenous peoples in North America. Their presence stretches across a vast territory, encompassing the northern United States and southern Canada. Within this extensive range, nearly 150 distinct bands of Chippewa maintain their cultural heritage, residing on numerous reservations and reserves. These communities, each with unique histories and traditions, contribute to the vibrant tapestry of Chippewa culture. This article will explore several of these reservations, delving into their geographical locations, tribal affiliations, and distinctive characteristics. The Chippewa Indian Reservations are a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of the Ojibwe people.
Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation
Nestled in the rolling landscape of Belcourt, North Dakota, lies the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation, home to the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. This reservation serves as the heartland for a community deeply rooted in its ancestral lands. The Turtle Mountain Band has a rich history marked by both challenges and triumphs. The reservation itself is a symbol of their perseverance, a place where they strive to preserve their cultural identity and exercise their sovereignty. The story of the Chippewa Indian Reservations is deeply intertwined with the history of this band.
Red Lake Indian Reservation
The Red Lake Indian Reservation, known in Ojibwe as Miskwaagamiiwi-zaaga’igan, presents a unique geographical and cultural landscape in north-central Minnesota. The reservation’s primary landmass surrounds the pristine waters of Red Lake. The reservation also has a section in the Northwest Angle of Lake of the Woods County near the Canadian border, it is mostly uninhabited. Between these two sections are many non-contiguous reservation exclaves in the counties of Beltrami, Clearwater, Lake of the Woods, Koochiching, Roseau, Pennington, Marshall, Red Lake, and Polk.
This reservation holds a distinct place among Chippewa Indian Reservations. It is home to the federally recognized Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians and is unique as the only "closed reservation" in Minnesota. This designation signifies that all land within the reservation is held in common by the tribe, and there is no private property ownership. This system reflects the band’s traditional values of communal stewardship and collective responsibility. Unlike many other reservations, the Red Lake Band claims its land by right of conquest and aboriginal title, rather than through government reassignment.
The Red Lake Band’s commitment to preserving its traditions is further exemplified by its decision not to join the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe in the mid-1930s. At the time, the band’s leadership and members sought to maintain their traditional system of hereditary chiefs, rather than adopting an electoral government. This decision underscores the Red Lake Band’s unwavering dedication to its cultural heritage and self-determination.
Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Michigan
Located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, often shortened to Sault Tribe, represents a significant presence in the region. The tribe’s name, pronounced "Soo Saint," reflects its historical ties to the area surrounding Sault Ste. Marie. The Sault Tribe is the largest federally recognized tribe east of the Mississippi River, with a membership exceeding 40,000. Approximately 11,000 members reside within the tribe’s "service area," encompassing the seven eastern counties of the Upper Peninsula.
The Sault Tribe’s history is intertwined with the migration patterns of the Chippewa people. During their westward movement from Canada, a group paused at Sault Ste. Marie before splitting. One group continued into Canada along the north shore of Lake Superior, while the other ventured westward along the south shore into Wisconsin and Minnesota. The Sault Tribe’s presence in Michigan represents a crucial chapter in the broader story of the Chippewa Indian Reservations and the dispersal of the Ojibwe people.
Saginaw-Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan
The Saginaw-Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan maintains its headquarters on the Isabella Reservation, which borders the city of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. This reservation serves as the central hub for a community comprised primarily of the Saginaw, Black River, and Swan Creek Ojibwe bands. The Saginaw-Chippewa Indian Tribe is committed to preserving its cultural heritage and promoting the well-being of its members.
Bad River Band of Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians
The Bad River Band of Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians resides on a vast reservation spanning over 125,000 acres in northern Wisconsin. The reservation lies on the southern shore of Lake Superior, known to the tribe as Gichi Gami, in Ashland and Iron Counties. The territory ceded by the tribe to the U.S. government encompasses the upper third of present-day Wisconsin.
The Bad River Band is one of six Ojibwe bands in Wisconsin that are federally recognized tribes. Four of these bands, including Bad River, Red Cliff, Lac Du Flambeau, and Lac Courte Oreilles, were granted reservation treaty lands in the Treaty of 1854. The remaining two bands are St. Croix and Mole Lake. The Bad River Band’s connection to Lake Superior and its commitment to environmental stewardship are central to its cultural identity.
Minnesota Chippewa Tribe
The Minnesota Chippewa Tribe is a federally recognized tribal government comprised of six distinct reservations: Bois Forte, Fond du Lac, Grand Portage, Leech Lake, Mille Lacs, and White Earth. This tribal government serves as a unifying force for these communities, promoting cooperation and advocating for the collective interests of its members.
Of the six reservations, the Leech Lake Tribe holds the smallest percentage of its original reservation land. County, state, and federal governments own the majority of the original land. Of the 864,158 original acres, nearly 300,000 acres are surface area of the three big lakes. The National Chippewa Forest encompasses a significant portion of the land, with seventy-five percent of the National Forest located within the reservation. This leaves less than 5% of land owned by the Band. The Chippewa Indian Reservations in Minnesota face unique challenges related to land ownership and resource management.
Colville Reservation
The Colville Reservation, located in Washington state, is home to twelve different tribes, including the Moses-Columbia (Sinkiuse-Columbia) Indians, a band of Pembina Chippewa led by Chief Moses. The community of Disautel on the Colville Reservation is also primarily composed of a Chippewa band. The presence of Chippewa communities on the Colville Reservation reflects the complex history of tribal relocation and intertribal relations in the American West.
Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians
The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians resides on the Grand Traverse Indian Reservation in northern Michigan. The band members refer to themselves as Anishinaabeg or Three Fires Confederacy, encompassing members of the Odaawaa/Odawa (Ottawa), the Ojibwe (Ojibwa/Chippewa), and Boodewaadami/Bodéwadmi (Potawatomi) peoples. The Grand Traverse Band’s cultural heritage is rooted in the traditions of these three distinct but related Anishinaabe nations.
Other Chippewa Reservations
In addition to the reservations discussed above, several other Chippewa reservations and reserves exist throughout the United States and Canada. These include Bay Mills Reservation in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Nett Lake in Minnesota, Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation in Montana (home to the Chippewa-Cree), Keweenaw Bay in Michigan, Mole Lake in Wisconsin, Red Cliff in Wisconsin, St. Croix in Wisconsin, and Grand Portage Reservation in Minnesota. Each of these communities contributes to the rich diversity of Chippewa culture and history.
The Grand Portage Reservation is named after the nine-mile portage necessary to bypass the cascading waters of the Pigeon River to reach the lakes and rivers leading to the fur-rich areas of northern Minnesota. The Grand Portage Band of Chippewa of Lake Superior is the principal tribe in the region. The Grand Portage Indians were members of the Lake Superior Band but did not participate in the early Ojibwe treaties with the United States.
Conclusion
The Chippewa Indian Reservations represent a diverse and resilient network of communities across North America. Each reservation possesses its unique history, cultural traditions, and challenges. The Chippewa people have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to preserving their heritage and exercising their sovereignty in the face of historical injustices and contemporary challenges. By understanding the history and characteristics of these reservations, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of Chippewa culture and the enduring spirit of the Ojibwe people.