The Sokaogon Chippewa Community, formerly known as the Mole Lake Chippewa, stands as a testament to resilience, cultural preservation, and self-determination in the heart of Wisconsin. This federally recognized tribe has a rich history, a vibrant present, and a determined vision for the future, all deeply rooted in the traditions and values of their Anishinaabe ancestors. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Sokaogon Chippewa Community, exploring their history, culture, governance, economy, and contemporary life.
Identity and Nomenclature
The very name "Sokaogon" carries significance. It is derived from the Ojibwe word meaning "a piece of cloth or material," referencing the shape of Mole Lake, the heart of their traditional territory. The term "Chippewa," a common designation for this group of Anishinaabe people, has various spellings and pronunciations, including Ojibwe and Ojibwa. The name itself is believed to originate from the Algonquian word meaning "puckered," possibly referring to the distinctive style of moccasins traditionally worn by the people.
Throughout history, the Sokaogon Chippewa Community has been known by various names, reflecting interactions with other tribes and European colonizers. Some of these historical designations 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)
These diverse names highlight the extensive network of relationships and interactions the Chippewa people maintained across the North American continent.
Ancestral Roots and Territory
The Sokaogon Chippewa are part of the larger Anishinaabe nation, a group of Indigenous peoples with a shared language and cultural heritage. The Anishinaabe, meaning "Original People," are typically divided into two main tribal groups: the Ojibway/Ojibwe/Chippewa and the Algonquin. Their traditional territory spans a vast region of the Northeastern Woodlands, encompassing parts of present-day Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, and Canada.
The Sokaogon Chippewa Community specifically calls southwestern Forest County, near Crandon, Wisconsin, their home. Their reservation, established under the 1934 Reorganization Act, consists of 4,904.2 acres of land. This land is not merely a geographical location; it is intrinsically linked to their identity, culture, and spiritual well-being.
Governance and Sovereignty
The Sokaogon Chippewa Community operates as a sovereign nation, chartered by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and federally recognized as a Native American Tribe/Nation. This recognition affirms their right to self-governance and the ability to make decisions regarding their own affairs.
The governing body of the Sokaogon Chippewa Community is the Tribal Council. This council comprises six members, including executive officers. Elections are held annually for council members not holding officer positions, while officer elections occur every two years. This system ensures that the community has a voice in its leadership and direction. The Tribe operates under a ratified constitution.
Treaties and Land Claims
The history of the Sokaogon Chippewa Community, like that of many Native American tribes, is marked by broken treaties and the struggle to protect their ancestral lands. According to tribal history, a treaty was signed with President Franklin Pierce promising them specific lands. However, the agent responsible for confirming the treaty and securing the land drowned on his return trip from Washington, D.C. The tribe continues to actively pursue any knowledge or documentation to support their claim to these original treaty lands, highlighting their ongoing commitment to justice and the recognition of their rights.
Population and Enrollment
In 1930, a roll taken in the Mole Lake area identified 199 individuals as belonging to this band. Today, the Sokaogon Chippewa Community has a registered population of 1,377 tribal members. The tribal enrollment requirements ensure that those who are part of the community can officially claim their heritage and participate in tribal governance.
Economy and Development
Historically, the Sokaogon Chippewa Community relied on a variety of traditional economic activities, including boat building, wild rice harvesting, wreath green gathering, and the creation of souvenir crafts. The land, while not exceptionally fertile, supported the cultivation of potatoes, short-season vegetables, oats, clover, and timothy hay. Hunting and trapping provided sustenance, with deer, bear, fox, muskrats, and waterfowl being common game.
The introduction of gambling casinos and bingo had a transformative effect on the Sokaogon Chippewa Community’s economy. The advent of these enterprises dramatically reduced unemployment rates on the reservation, falling from 80% to 10% within a few years. The surrounding communities also benefited financially, lessening their dependence on federal aid.
Today, the Sokaogon Chippewa Community’s economy is still somewhat reliant on tourism revenue. However, the tribe is actively working to diversify its business enterprises. Key economic ventures include:
- Mole Lake Casino and Bingo
- Mole Lake New Business Incubator (Niijii)
- Sokaogon Chippewa Community C-Store
- Café Manoomin Restaurant
- A 75-room hotel with pool facilities attached to the casino
- A 1.3 million Youth Center
Furthermore, the community is investing in improving its utility infrastructure, which will enable the development of a wider range of businesses.
Cultural Preservation and Contemporary Life
Despite the challenges they have faced, the Sokaogon Chippewa Community has remained steadfast in its commitment to preserving its cultural heritage. They continue to harvest wild rice and spear fish in traditional ways, passing down these skills and knowledge to future generations.
The tribe also utilizes modern technology to protect the environment and manage its resources sustainably. They invest in cultural preservation and restoration projects, environmental planning, education, and social programs that enhance the health and well-being of community members. This holistic approach reflects a deep understanding of the interconnectedness between culture, environment, and community health.
Connections to Other Tribes
The Sokaogon Chippewa Community is related to a number of other tribes, reflecting the complex history and interconnectedness of Indigenous peoples in North America. Some of these 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 Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians
- Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians
- Saginaw Chippewa Indians
- St. Croix Chippewa Indians
- Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians
These connections highlight the shared cultural and historical ties that bind these tribes together.
Conclusion
The Sokaogon Chippewa Community embodies the enduring spirit of the Anishinaabe people. Through centuries of change and adversity, they have maintained their cultural identity, asserted their sovereignty, and worked to create a thriving community for future generations. Their commitment to cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and economic development serves as an inspiration to all who seek to build a more just and sustainable world. The Sokaogon Chippewa Community is a vibrant and vital part of the cultural landscape of Wisconsin and a testament to the resilience and strength of Native American nations.