Minnesota, a state renowned for its picturesque landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage, is also home to a significant population of Native American people. These communities are primarily organized around eleven federally recognized Indian reservations, each with its own unique history, cultural identity, and governmental structure. This article delves into the details of these reservations, offering a glimpse into their establishment, tribal affiliations, and historical context. Minnesota Indian Reservations serves as a guide to understanding the geographic and historical landscape of these important communities within the state.
It’s important to note that the information presented here is based on historical records and may not reflect the current acreage or specific land ownership details of each reservation. Land ownership and reservation boundaries have been subject to change over time due to various factors, including treaties, land allotments, and government policies.
1. Bois Forte Reservation
Located in northeastern Minnesota, the Bois Forte Reservation is the home of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, also known as the Bois Forte Band of Ojibwe. The establishment of this reservation is rooted in two key historical events: the Treaty of April 7, 1866, documented in the fourteenth volume of treaty records on page 765, and the Act of January 14, 1889, found in the twenty-fifth volume of congressional acts on page 642.
Historical records indicate that 55,211.79 acres were allotted to 693 individual Native Americans, reflecting an early effort to distribute land ownership. An additional 434.63 acres were designated for agency use and other essential governmental functions. The remaining 51,863 acres were designated to be opened for public settlement, a practice that was common during this era as the United States government encouraged westward expansion and sought to assimilate Native American populations.
The Bois Forte Reservation is characterized by its rugged terrain, abundant forests, and numerous lakes and rivers. The band’s traditional way of life has always been closely tied to the land, with hunting, fishing, and gathering playing vital roles in their sustenance and cultural practices. Today, the Bois Forte Band continues to preserve its cultural heritage while also working to develop economic opportunities for its members.
2. Deer Creek Reservation
The Deer Creek Reservation, also associated with the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, presents a different historical narrative. Established through an Executive Order issued on June 30, 1883, and further defined by the Act of January 14, 1889, this reservation reflects the evolving policies of the U.S. government towards Native American land management.
According to records, 295.55 acres were allotted to just four individual Native Americans. The remaining 22,744 acres were designated to be opened to public settlement. The Executive Order of December 21, 1858, also plays a role in the historical context of this reservation, although its specific contribution is not detailed in the provided source material.
Given its size and the limited number of allottees, the Deer Creek Reservation likely played a different role compared to larger reservations. Further research would be needed to understand the specific circumstances and experiences of the Bois Forte Band members associated with this particular parcel of land.
3. Fond du Lac Reservation
The Fond du Lac Reservation is the home of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, one of the six Ojibwe bands in Minnesota that form the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe. Its establishment is linked to the Treaty of September 30, 1854, found in the tenth volume of treaty records on page 1109, and the Act of May 26, 1872, in the seventeenth volume of congressional acts on page 190.
The historical records show that 23,283.61 acres were allotted to 351 individual Native Americans, according to the Act of January 14, 1889. The remaining 76,837 acres were opened for settlement. The Agreement of November 21, 1889, further shapes the understanding of this land allocation, as noted in the Act of January 14, 1889.
The Fond du Lac Reservation is located in northeastern Minnesota, near the city of Cloquet. The band’s name, "Fond du Lac," is French for "foot of the lake," referring to the location of their original settlement at the southwestern end of Lake Superior. The Fond du Lac Band has a strong cultural identity and actively promotes its language, traditions, and history.
4. Grand Portage (Pigeon River) Reservation
The Grand Portage Reservation, also known as the Pigeon River Reservation, is home to the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Its establishment is rooted in the Treaty of September 30, 1854, and the Act of January 14, 1889.
The records indicate that 24,191.31 acres were allotted to 304 individual Native Americans. An additional 208.24 acres were reserved for agency and wood purposes, reflecting the importance of these resources for the reservation’s administration and the community’s well-being. The remaining 16,041.97 acres were designated to be opened to public settlement.
The Grand Portage Reservation is located in the northeasternmost corner of Minnesota, bordering Canada. The area is known for its stunning natural beauty, including Lake Superior, the Pigeon River, and the Grand Portage National Monument, a historic fur trading post. The Grand Portage Band has a deep connection to the land and actively works to protect its natural resources.
5. Leech Lake Reservation
The Leech Lake Reservation is home to the Cass Lake, Pillager, and Lake Winnibigoshish bands of Chippewa. The reservation’s establishment is linked to the Treaty of February 22, 1855, Executive Orders issued on November 4, 1873, and May 26, 1874, and the Act of January 14, 1889.
Historical records show that 37,683.06 acres were allotted to 536 individual Native Americans. An additional 321.60 acres were reserved for agency and school purposes. Furthermore, 1,381.21 acres were allotted to 17 Cass Lake Indians. The remaining 55,054 acres were designated to be opened to public settlement, according to the Act of June 27, 1902.
Located in north-central Minnesota, the Leech Lake Reservation is one of the largest in the state. The area is known for its abundant lakes, forests, and wildlife. The Leech Lake Band has a long history of fishing, hunting, and gathering in the region. Today, the band is actively involved in economic development, education, and cultural preservation.
6. Mdewakanton Reservation
The Mdewakanton Reservation is home to the Mdewakanton Sioux, a subgroup of the Dakota people. Unlike the other reservations on this list, this reservation was established through a series of land purchases, as indicated by the Acts of Congress passed on July 4, 1884, March 3, 1885, May 15, 1886, June 29, 1888, March 2, 1889, and August 19, 1890.
Records indicate that 339.70 acres were deeded to 47 individual Native Americans. An additional 12,242.76 acres were allotted to 88 individual Native Americans and held in trust by the United States. Furthermore, 8.90 acres were reserved for school purposes.
The Mdewakanton Sioux community faced significant challenges in the aftermath of the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. The establishment of this reservation represents an effort to provide a land base for the Mdewakanton people after a period of displacement and hardship.
7. Mille Lacs Reservation
The Mille Lacs Reservation is home to the Mille Lacs and Snake River bands of Chippewa. Its establishment is linked to the Treaties of February 22, 1855, and May 7, 1864, the Act of January 14, 1889, Joint Resolution No. 5 of December 19, 1893, and Joint Resolution No. 40 of May 27, 1898. The reservation encompasses 61,014 acres.
The historical records indicate that the lands composing this reservation have been ceded to the government, but are not yet open to sale or settlement. This unique situation suggests a complex history of land negotiations and legal considerations.
Located in central Minnesota, the Mille Lacs Reservation is centered around Mille Lacs Lake, one of the state’s largest and most popular lakes. The Mille Lacs Band has a strong cultural identity and actively promotes its language, traditions, and history.
8. Red Lake Reservation
The Red Lake Reservation is home to the Red Lake and Pembina bands of Chippewa. Its establishment is linked to the Treaty of October 2, 1863, the Act of January 14, 1889, the Agreement of July 8, 1889, Executive Order of November 21, 1892, the Act of March 3, 1903, and the Act of February 20, 1904. The reservation encompasses 543,528 acres.
Historical records indicate that the Act of February 20, 1904, ratified an agreement made on March 10, 1902, for the sale of 258,152 acres. Furthermore, the Act of February 8, 1905, granted 320 acres as a right-of-way for the Minneapolis, Red Lake and Manitoba Railway Company.
The Red Lake Reservation is unique in that it is a closed reservation, meaning that land within the reservation is not owned by individuals but is held in common by the Red Lake Band. This system of land ownership reflects the band’s commitment to collective stewardship of its resources.
9. Vermillion Lake Reservation
The Vermillion Lake Reservation is home to the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa. Its establishment is linked to the Executive Order of December 20, 1881, and the Act of January 14, 1889. The reservation encompasses 1,080 acres.
Given its small size, the Vermillion Lake Reservation likely serves a specific purpose within the broader context of the Bois Forte Band’s land holdings. Further research would be needed to understand the specific history and significance of this particular parcel of land.
10. White Earth Reservation
The White Earth Reservation is home to the Chippewa of the Mississippi, Pembina, and Pillager Chippewa. Its establishment is linked to the Treaty of March 19, 1867, Executive Orders issued on March 18, 1879, and July 13, 1883, and the Act of January 14, 1889.
Historical records indicate that 223,928.91 acres have been allotted to 2,794 Mississippi and Otter Tail Pillager Chippewa, being additional allotments to a part of the allottees under the Act of January 14, 1889, leaving unallotted and unreserved 78,178.19 acres. The lands were in the process of allotment under both acts.
The White Earth Reservation is located in northwestern Minnesota. It has a complex history of land loss and mismanagement. The White Earth Band is actively working to restore its land base and promote economic development for its members.
11. White Oak Point and Chippewa Reservation
The White Oak Point and Chippewa Reservation is home to the Lake Winnibigoshish and Pillager bands of Chippewa, and the White Oak Point band of Mississippi Chippewa. Its establishment is linked to the Treaties of February 22, 1855, and March 19, 1867, Executive Orders issued on October 29, 1873, and May 26, 1874, and the Act of January 14, 1889.
Historical records indicate that 14,389.73 acres were allotted to 180 Lake Winnibigoshish Indians, with the remaining 112,663.01 acres of the Winnibigoshish reserve designated to be opened to public settlement. Furthermore, 38,090.22 acres were allotted to 479 Chippewa Indians, and the remaining 154,855 acres were restored to the public domain.
This historical overview of Minnesota Indian Reservations provides a valuable starting point for understanding the complex history and ongoing challenges faced by Native American communities in the state. Further research is encouraged to gain a deeper appreciation for the unique cultural identities and contemporary issues facing each of these reservations. Minnesota Indian Reservations offers a glimpse into the historical tapestry of these lands and their people.