The Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin stands as a vibrant and historically significant entity, deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of the Lake Superior Ojibwe people. This federally recognized tribe, a successor to the larger group of Ojibwe (also known as Chippewa or Ojibway) who migrated westward along the southern shores of Lake Superior from Sault Ste. Marie, continues to preserve its cultural heritage and exercise its sovereign rights within the United States.
This article delves into the history, culture, governance, and contemporary life of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin, providing a comprehensive overview of this resilient nation.
Contact Information and Recognition
For those seeking to connect with the Red Cliff Band, the following information is essential:
- Address: 88385 Pike Road, Highway 13, Red Cliff, WI 54814
- Phone: 715-779-3700
- Fax: 715-779-3704
- Official Website: www.redcliff-nsn.gov
The Red Cliff Band holds the crucial designation of being a Federally Recognized Tribe, which acknowledges its sovereign status and its government-to-government relationship with the United States. This recognition is fundamental to the tribe’s ability to govern itself, manage its resources, and protect its cultural identity.
Names and Linguistic Connections
The Ojibwe people, to whom the Red Cliff Band belongs, are known by a variety of names, reflecting their extensive geographical distribution and interactions with different cultures. Common variations include Ojibwa, Ojibway, and Ojibwe. The following list provides a glimpse into how the Ojibwe were known by various other Indigenous nations and European powers:
- 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)
These diverse names illustrate the historical interactions and perceptions of the Ojibwe by neighboring tribes and European colonizers.
Geographical Location and Traditional Territory
The Red Cliff Band’s story is intimately connected to the Great Lakes region, specifically the southern shores of Lake Superior. The Ojibwe migration narrative tells of a journey from the Atlantic coast, guided by the Great Spirit (Gichi Manidoo), towards the "food that grows on water," referring to wild rice. Madeline Island, located in Chequamegon Bay, served as a significant stopping point in this westward migration.
During the 17th century, the arrival of French fur traders and Jesuit missionaries on Madeline Island led to the establishment of a trading post and a Catholic mission at La Pointe. In the 18th century, the La Pointe Ojibwe expanded their presence throughout the mainland regions that would become Wisconsin and Minnesota. The Ojibwe who remained in the vicinity of Madeline Island became known as the La Pointe Band.
Today, the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin is primarily located in Wisconsin.
Historical Context and the Treaty of La Pointe
The year 1850 marked a turning point in the relationship between the Lake Superior Chippewa bands and the U.S. government. The disastrous attempt to relocate the tribes, known as the Sandy Lake Tragedy, resulted in significant loss of life and prompted a reevaluation of federal policy. In response, the U.S. government agreed to establish permanent reservations in Wisconsin through the Treaty of La Pointe in 1854.
This treaty led to a division within the La Pointe Band. Those who embraced Roman Catholicism, under the leadership of Chief Buffalo, established a reservation at Red Cliff. Meanwhile, those who maintained traditional Midewiwin beliefs settled at Bad River. Despite this division, the two bands have maintained close ties to this day, reflecting their shared heritage and cultural connections.
Treaty Rights and Land Cessions
The Red Cliff Band retains crucial rights secured through treaties signed with the United States in 1836, 1837, 1842, and 1854. These treaties involved the cession of vast tracts of land in northern Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota to the federal government.
In exchange for these land cessions, the tribes received promises of financial compensation, educational opportunities, equipment, and other provisions. The 1854 treaty was particularly significant as it established the reservation system, designating specific lands as permanent homes for many Chippewa bands, including Red Cliff.
Furthermore, the treaties reserved certain "usufructuary" rights for the tribes, including the right to hunt, fish, and gather on the ceded lands. These treaty rights have been consistently upheld in federal and state court decisions over the past three decades, affirming the tribe’s continued access to and stewardship of its traditional resources.
The Red Cliff Reservation
The Red Cliff Reservation, established through the treaties with the U.S. government, is located on the Bayfield Peninsula in northern Wisconsin, along the shores of Lake Superior. The reservation is approximately one mile wide and 14 miles long, encompassing a land area of 14,541 acres.
The establishment of the reservation can be traced back to Chief Buffalo, considered the "founder" of the Red Cliff Reservation. In 1856, an executive order created the reservation for his followers who had gathered for the treaty council and chose to remain in the area.
Governance and Tribal Membership
The Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin is governed by a Tribal Council, which consists of nine members, including executive officers. The council members are elected to staggered two-year terms, with elections held annually. This system ensures continuity in leadership while providing opportunities for community participation.
As of the latest available data, the Red Cliff Band has 5,312 registered tribal members. The tribe has specific enrollment requirements that determine eligibility for membership.
Cultural Preservation and Contemporary Life
The Red Cliff Band actively works to preserve and promote its cultural heritage. This includes maintaining the Ojibwe language, traditions, and ceremonies. The tribe also hosts modern-day events and tourism initiatives that showcase its culture and history.
The annual Red Cliff Indian Reservation Pow Wow is a significant event that brings together tribal members and visitors to celebrate Ojibwe culture through dance, music, and traditional crafts.
Connections to Other Tribes
The Red Cliff Band shares close ties with other Ojibwe and Potawatomi tribes, reflecting their common ancestry and cultural heritage. Some of the related tribes include:
- Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians
- Chippewa-Cree Indians of the Rocky Boy’s Reservation
- Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Michigan
- Citizen Potawatomi Nation
- Forest County Potawatomi
- Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
- Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians
- Hannaville Indian Community
- Keweenaw Bay Indian Community
- La Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
- Lac de Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
- Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians
- Little River Band of Ottawa Indians
- Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians
- Match-e-be-nash-she-wish Potawatomi
- Minnesota Chippewa Tribe
- Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians
- Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians
- Saginaw Chippewa Indians
- Sokaogon Chippewa Community
- St. Croix Chippewa Indians
- Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians
Sovereign Immunity
The tribe’s sovereign immunity from suit is a fundamental aspect of its legal status. This immunity, similar to that of the United States, protects the tribe from lawsuits and legal actions. It can only be waived by Congress or the tribe itself.
Conclusion
The Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin represents a resilient and culturally rich community with a deep connection to the Great Lakes region. Through its commitment to preserving its traditions, exercising its treaty rights, and governing itself as a sovereign nation, the Red Cliff Band continues to thrive and contribute to the vibrant tapestry of Native American cultures in the United States.