The Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of the Lac du Flambeau Reservation of Wisconsin stands as a vibrant and historically significant community within the broader Ojibwe (Anishinaabe) Nation. Their story is one of resilience, adaptation, and the enduring strength of cultural identity in the face of historical challenges and modern opportunities. Primarily associated with the Lac du Flambeau Reservation in northern Wisconsin, this band maintains a deep connection to their ancestral lands and traditions, while actively shaping their future through economic development and cultural preservation.
Origins and Identity: The People of the Torch Lake
The term "Lac du Flambeau" itself speaks volumes about the band’s history and cultural practices. Waaswaaganing in Ojibwe, translating to "Torch Lake Men," aptly describes their traditional method of fishing at night. This involved using torches to attract fish, a practice observed and subsequently named by early French traders and trappers who frequented the region. Thus, "Lac du Flambeau," or "Lake of the Torches," became synonymous with this specific band of Ojibwe, forever linking their identity to the shimmering reflection of torchlight on the dark waters of their homeland.
The Ojibwe, also known as Chippewa, are one of the largest Native American tribes in North America. Their historical presence spans across a vast territory encompassing present-day Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and parts of Canada. The Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of the Lac du Flambeau Reservation of Wisconsin is a distinct group within this larger nation, possessing its own unique history, governance, and cultural expressions while sharing a common Anishinaabe heritage.
Throughout history, the Ojibwe have been known by various names, reflecting the diverse interactions they had with other tribes and European colonizers. These names include Chipewa, Chipawa, Anishinaabe, Ojibway, Ojibwe, Chippewa, and Algonquin. Different tribes and language groups also had their own terms for the Ojibwe, such as Aoechisaeronon (Huron), Assisagigroone (Iroquois), and Hahatonwan (Dakota), demonstrating the extensive network of relationships and interactions that shaped their history.
Territorial History and Treaties: Securing a Homeland
The story of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of the Lac du Flambeau Reservation of Wisconsin is interwoven with the history of the Great Lakes region. By the 17th century, the Ojibwe had migrated into the area, gradually encroaching upon the territory historically occupied by the Eastern Dakota people. Through a series of conflicts, culminating in a decisive battle around 1745, the Ojibwe asserted their dominance, leading the Dakota Sioux to migrate westward onto the Great Plains.
The 19th century marked a period of significant change and negotiation. As European-American settlers increasingly encroached upon their traditional territories, the leaders of various Ojibwe bands, including those who would later form the Lac du Flambeau Band, engaged in treaty negotiations with the United States government. These treaties aimed to protect their ancestral lands and secure their rights in the face of westward expansion.
The treaties of 1837, 1842, and 1854 were particularly crucial. The 1854 Treaty of La Pointe, in particular, led to the establishment of several reservations for Ojibwe bands in the region, allowing them to remain in their homeland rather than being forcibly removed west of the Mississippi River, a fate suffered by many other Native American tribes. As part of the Lake Superior Chippewa and signatories to the 1854 Treaty of La Pointe, the bands at Pelican Lake, Turtle Portage, Trout Lake and Wisconsin River were consolidated into the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of the Lac du Flambeau Reservation of Wisconsin (Waaswaaganing in Ojibwe). As signatories to the Treaty of St. Peters of 1837, and the Treaties of La Pointe of 1842 and 1854, members of the Lac du Flambeau Band enjoy the traditional hunting, fishing and gathering practices guaranteed in these treaties.
The Lac du Flambeau Reservation: A Land of Lakes and Forests
The Lac du Flambeau Reservation, officially established through these treaties, encompasses a substantial area of 86,630 acres (144 square miles) in northern Wisconsin. Characterized by a "checkerboard" land ownership pattern consisting of Tribal, Tribal Allotted, and Alienated land, it is a land rich in natural resources, including 260 lakes, 17,897 acres of surface water, 64 miles of creeks, rivers, and streams, 2,400 acres of wetlands, and 41,733 acres of forested upland. This abundance of water and forest has profoundly shaped the culture and economy of the Lac du Flambeau Band for centuries.
Governance and Community: Shaping Their Own Destiny
The Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of the Lac du Flambeau Reservation of Wisconsin operates under a federally recognized tribal government. The Tribal Council, composed of 12 members including executive officers, serves as the governing body, responsible for making decisions that impact the community’s well-being and future. Elections are held every October, with staggered two-year terms for officer positions and council members, ensuring continuity and community representation.
Language and Culture: Preserving the Anishinaabe Heritage
The Ojibwe language is a vital part of the Lac du Flambeau Band’s cultural identity. Recognizing the importance of language preservation, the tribe actively supports the Lac du Flambeau Ojibwe Language Program, working to revitalize and promote the use of Ojibwe among tribal members of all ages. The preservation of traditional stories, ceremonies, and artistic traditions are also central to maintaining the band’s cultural heritage. Strawberry Island is considered a sacred place to the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of the Lac du Flambeau Reservation of Wisconsin, and they call it "the place of the little people" or spirits according to tribal tradition.
Economic Development: Building a Sustainable Future
In recent decades, the Lac du Flambeau Band has actively pursued economic development initiatives to improve the quality of life for its members. These efforts include the establishment of LDF Industries (pallet manufacturing), Ojibwa Mall, Campground, Fish Hatchery, gas station, and cigarettes and tobacco shop. The tribe also operates the Lake of the Torches Resort Casino, a significant source of revenue and employment for the community.
The establishment of the Lake of the Torches Economic Development Corporation reflects the tribe’s commitment to creating a sustainable economy that benefits its members. While the casino has faced challenges, including legal disputes with creditors, the tribe remains committed to developing enterprises that leverage the reservation’s natural resources and provide economic opportunities for future generations.
Looking Ahead: A Future Rooted in Tradition
The Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of the Lac du Flambeau Reservation of Wisconsin stands as a testament to the enduring strength and resilience of the Anishinaabe people. Through their commitment to cultural preservation, economic development, and self-governance, they are shaping a future that honors their rich history while embracing the opportunities of the modern world. As they continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, the torchlight of their ancestors will undoubtedly continue to guide their path.
Contact Information:
For those seeking further information about the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of the Lac du Flambeau Reservation of Wisconsin, the following contact information is provided:
- Address: Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council, 2932 Highway 47 N., P.O. Box 67, Lac du Flambeau, WI 54538
- Phone: 715-588-3303
- Fax: 715-588-7930
- Email: glitc@glitc.org