The Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin stands as a testament to resilience, cultural preservation, and self-determination. This vibrant community, a significant branch of the larger Ojibwe Nation, traces its origins to the expansive woodlands of northeastern North America. Their story is one etched with the enduring spirit of the Anishinaabe – "the Original People" – navigating historical challenges while forging a path toward a thriving future.
The Anishinaabe Heritage: Roots and Identity
The term Anishinaabe serves as a powerful identifier, connecting the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin to a rich cultural tapestry woven across generations. This self-designation speaks to their inherent connection to the land, their traditions, and their shared ancestry. Over time, the Anishinaabe have become known by two primary tribal designations: Ojibwe/Ojibway/Chippewa, and Algonquin. The name Ojibwe, derived from an Algonquian word meaning "puckered," is often associated with the distinctive style of moccasins traditionally crafted by the people. The term Algonquin, while its precise etymology remains debated, is thought to originate from either the Maliseet word elehgumoqik, meaning "our allies," or the Mi’kmaq place name Algoomaking, signifying "fish-spearing place." These names, each carrying its own nuance, reflect the diverse interactions and perceptions surrounding the Anishinaabe throughout history.
The historical record reveals a multitude of names used to refer to the Ojibwe/Chippewa people, often reflecting the perspectives of other tribes or European colonizers. These include:
- Aoechisaeronon or Eskiaeronnon (Huron)
- Assisagigroone (Iroquois)
- Axshissayerunu (Wyandot)
- Bawichtigouek or Paouichtigouin (French)
- Bedzaqetcha (Tsattine)
- Bedzietcho (Kawchodinne)
- Dewakanha (Mohawk)
- Dshipowehaga (Caughnawaga)
- Dwakanen (Onondaga)
- Hahatonwan (Dakota)
- Hahatonway (Hidatsa)
- Jumper, Kutaki (Fox)
- Leaper, Neayaog (Cree)
- Nwaka (Tuscarora)
- Ostiagahoroone (Iroquois)
- Rabbit People (Plains Cree)
- Regatci or Negatce (Winnebago)
- Saulteur (Saulteaux)
- Sore Face (Hunkpapa Lakota)
- Sotoe (British)
- Wahkahtowah (Assiniboine)
This varied nomenclature underscores the complex web of relationships and interactions that shaped the identity of the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin and their broader cultural group.
Geographical Landscape: A Homeland Defined by Water and Woods
Historically, the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin occupied a vast territory spanning approximately 100 miles in radius from their current reservation near Hayward, Wisconsin. This region, nestled within the Eastern Woodlands, is characterized by its abundance of lakes, rivers, and forests. These geographical features were not merely scenic backdrops but integral to the tribe’s way of life, providing sustenance, transportation routes, and spiritual significance.
Today, the tribe’s presence is centered on the Lac Courte Oreilles Reservation and associated off-reservation trust lands in Wisconsin. The decision to establish the reservation in this specific location was driven by the tribal elders’ desire to safeguard vital resources. Wild rice beds, teeming with life, and fertile fishing grounds on Grindstone, Chief, and Lac Courte Oreilles Lakes were of paramount importance. The land itself was a treasure trove of timber, boasting stands of oak, conifer, maple, hickory, cedar, and birch. The Chippewa, Chief, and Couderay rivers offered abundant fishing opportunities, while the surrounding forests provided hunting and trapping grounds for waterfowl, deer, bear, beaver, mink, muskrat, and other game. Moreover, the tribe relied on historical water transportation routes via the Chippewa, Flambeau, and Namekagon rivers, facilitating trade, communication, and movement across the region.
Treaties and Sovereignty: Defining a Nation’s Rights
The history of the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin is inextricably linked to a series of treaties negotiated with the United States government. These agreements, while often fraught with challenges and injustices, played a crucial role in defining the tribe’s territorial rights and its relationship with the federal government.
In 1825, 1837, and 1842, the Ojibwe Nation entered into sovereign treaties with the United States, ceding vast territories of land that would become part of the United States. However, these treaties also reserved for the Ojibwe Nation the right to use the land and its resources, a critical provision that would later become the basis for legal battles over hunting, fishing, and gathering rights.
The 1854 Treaty of LaPointe proved particularly significant, establishing specific territorial rights for the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin, including the right to hunt, fish, and gather in the northern third of Wisconsin. This treaty also formally established the reservation, solidifying the tribe’s presence in its ancestral homeland.
The off-reservation hunting, fishing, and gathering rights of the Ojibwe people faced persistent challenges and legal disputes. However, a landmark case, Lac Courte Oreilles v. Voigt, 700 F.2d 341 (7th Cir. 1983), ultimately reaffirmed these rights after years of litigation. This victory, along with similar cases involving other tribes in Minnesota, established a precedent for recognizing treaty rights and ensuring the continued access of Native American tribes to their traditional resources.
Governance and Self-Determination: Shaping a Modern Nation
While the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin maintained a traditional government that provided for the safety and welfare of its people for generations, the tribe adopted an Indian Reorganization Act Constitution in 1966 after years of resistance. This decision marked a significant step toward self-determination and greater control over its own affairs.
Today, the tribe is governed by a Tribal Governing Board composed of seven members, including executive officers. Elections are held every two years in June (in odd-numbered years) for staggered four-year terms. The executive officers include a Chairperson, Vice-chairperson, and Secretary/Treasurer. This structure allows for the effective administration of tribal affairs and the representation of the community’s interests.
Language and Culture: Preserving the Anishinaabe Identity
The Ojibwe language, also known as Ojibwemowin, serves as a cornerstone of the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin’s cultural identity. Recognizing the importance of language preservation, the tribe established the Waadookodaading – Ojibwe Language Immersion Charter School, where all core subjects are taught in Ojibwemowin. Currently, the school serves 28 students from Pre-K through 5th grade, nurturing a new generation of fluent speakers and ensuring the continuity of their linguistic heritage.
Economic Development: Building a Sustainable Future
The Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin has demonstrated remarkable entrepreneurial spirit in developing a diverse and sustainable economy. The tribe owns or leases a number of businesses, providing employment opportunities and generating revenue for community programs. These enterprises include:
- Casinos: LCO Casino, Lodge, and Convention Center and Grindstone Creek Casino
- Resort: The Landing (a full family resort with a restaurant, bar, and cabins for rent)
- Convenience Stores: LCO Commercial Center (Grocery/Cigarettes/Liquor Store), LCO Quick Stop (Gasoline/light grocery), LCO Convenience Store (Gasoline/car wash/light grocery/liquor), and LCO C-2 Spur Station (Gasoline/Light Grocery)
- Agricultural Enterprise: LCO Cranberry Marsh
- Construction and Infrastructure: LCO Development Corporation (Construction/infrastructure/trucking)
- Retail: LCO Smoke Shop, LCO Fireworks Station
- Financial Services: LCO Federal Credit Union
- Media: WOJB-FM community radio station
- Utilities: Hydro Facility (Electric Plant)
- Crafts: Chippewa Wood Crafters (rustic handmade furniture), Morrow’s Native Art
- Funeral Services: Pineview Funeral Services
- Transportation: LCO Transit
- Leased Businesses: Lynk’s Café
This diversified portfolio reflects the tribe’s commitment to economic self-sufficiency and its ability to adapt to changing market conditions.
Education and Community: Investing in the Future
The Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin recognizes the critical role of education in fostering individual growth and community development. Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College serves the higher education needs of Northern Wisconsin, with an enrollment of 550 students from five reservations. The main campus is located at the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College, with outreach sites on the Red Cliff Reservation, Bad River Reservation, St. Croix Reservation, and Lac du Flambeau Reservation.
Conclusion
The story of the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin is a testament to the enduring power of culture, resilience, and self-determination. From their ancestral roots in the Eastern Woodlands to their modern-day efforts to preserve their language, culture, and sovereignty, the tribe continues to navigate challenges and build a brighter future for generations to come. Their commitment to economic development, education, and community well-being serves as an inspiration, demonstrating the strength and vitality of the Anishinaabe spirit.