For centuries, the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin have maintained a presence in the region that now constitutes the state of Wisconsin. Their enduring connection to this land is a testament to their resilience and cultural strength. Officially recognized by the federal government in 1938, the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin are a vibrant and active tribe, contributing significantly to the cultural and economic landscape of the region.
A Glimpse into the Identity of the St. Croix Chippewa
- Official Tribal Name: St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin
- Address: 24663 Angeline Avenue, Webster, WI 54893
- Phone: (800) 236-2195
- Fax: 715-349-5768
- Official Website: www.stcciw.com
- Recognition Status: Federally Recognized
The Essence of a Name
The term "Anishinaabe," meaning "Original People," encapsulates the profound connection these individuals have to their heritage. This name signifies their ancestral roots and deep-seated belonging to the land they inhabit. The Anishinaabe people comprise two primary tribes: the Ojibway/Ojibwe/Chippewa and the Algonquin. The name "Ojibwe" (with its various spellings) is believed to originate from the Algonquian word for "puckered," possibly referring to the distinctive style of moccasins traditionally worn by the people. "Algonquin," on the other hand, is thought to be a French adaptation of either the Maliseet term elehgumoqik, meaning "our allies," or the Mi’kmaq place name Algoomaking, signifying a "fish-spearing place."
The name "Chippewa" also has numerous alternate spellings, including Chippaway, Chippewyn, Chipewa, and Chipawa, reflecting the diverse ways in which the tribe has been identified throughout history.
A Tapestry of Names Across Languages
The St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin, along with their broader Ojibwe/Chippewa relatives, have been known by various names among different tribes and language groups. These names often reflect specific characteristics or interactions:
- Huron: Aoechisaeronon or Eskiaeronnon
- Iroquois: Assisagigroone, Ostiagahoroone
- Wyandot: Axshissayerunu
- French: Bawichtigouek or Paouichtigouin
- Tsattine: Bedzaqetcha
- Kawchodinne: Bedzietcho
- Mohawk: Dewakanha
- Caughnawaga: Dshipowehaga
- Onondaga: Dwakanen
- Dakota: Hahatonwan
- Hidatsa: Hahatonway
- Fox: Jumper, Kutaki
- Cree: Leaper, Neayaog
- Tuscarora: Nwaka
- Winnebago: Regatci or Negatce
- Saulteaux: Saulteur
- Hunkpapa Lakota: Sore Face
- British: Sotoe
- Assiniboine: Wahkahtowah
These diverse names illustrate the extensive network of relationships and interactions the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin and their broader tribal affiliations have maintained with other Native American groups.
Geographical and Political Landscape
The St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin are historically and geographically situated within the Northeast (Eastern Woodland) region, specifically within the broader group of Ojibwa, Chippewa, and Potawatomi tribes. Today, their presence is concentrated in the state of Wisconsin, where they maintain a sovereign nation with defined territory and governance.
- Region: Northeast (Eastern Woodland)
- State(s) Today: Wisconsin
- Traditional Territory: Wisconsin
- Confederacy: Ojibwe (Chippewa)
Land and Governance
The St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin possess a designated reservation, known as the Saint Croix Reservation and Off-Reservation Trust Land, comprising 4,689 acres. The tribal headquarters are located in Webster, Wisconsin, operating within the Central Time Zone.
- Reservation: Saint Croix Reservation and Off-Reservation Trust Land
- Land Area: 4,689 acres
- Tribal Headquarters: Webster, WI
- Time Zone: Central
The tribe is governed by a five-person council, elected every two years.
- Number of Council members: Five
- Elections: Held every two years
Population and Enrollment
While the exact population at the time of European contact is difficult to ascertain, the registered population of the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin today stands at approximately 1,054 tribal members. Tribal enrollment requirements are specific to the tribe, and genealogy resources are available to assist individuals in tracing their lineage and determining eligibility.
- Registered Population Today: Approximately 1,054 tribal members
Linguistic Heritage
The language spoken by the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin is a dialect of the Ojibwe language, belonging to a broader language classification within the Algonquian language family. While the number of fluent speakers may vary, efforts are continually being made to preserve and revitalize the language for future generations.
Kinship and Affiliations
The St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin are closely related to numerous other tribes, reflecting their shared ancestry and cultural connections. 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
- Sokaogon Chippewa Community
- Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians
These affiliations underscore the interconnectedness of the Anishinaabe people and the importance of maintaining relationships across tribal boundaries.
Economic Development and Enterprises
The St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin have significantly contributed to the economic vitality of Northwest Wisconsin, emerging as one of the region’s largest employers. The tribe’s diverse economic portfolio encompasses:
- Government center
- St. Croix Casino and Hotel (Turtle Lake, WI)
- St. Croix Casino (Danbury, WI)
- Convenience store/gas station
- Aquaculture facility and commercial fishery
- Grocery store
- Check cashing business
- Construction company
- Travel agency
- Office building complex
- Campground
- Four smokeshop/gift shops
- Drug and Alcohol halfway home
- Screen printing shop
- Information Technology Software company
This diverse range of enterprises reflects the tribe’s commitment to self-sufficiency and economic empowerment.
Historical Events
The St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin, as part of the broader Ojibwe/Chippewa Nation, have been impacted by various historical events, including the Sandy Lake Tragedy. This tragic event in 1850 resulted in the deaths of approximately 400 Lake Superior Chippewa due to the actions of officials attempting to relocate tribal members west of the Mississippi River. The Sandy Lake Tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the challenges and injustices faced by Native American tribes throughout history.
The St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin continue to thrive as a sovereign nation, preserving their cultural heritage, contributing to the economic landscape, and advocating for the well-being of their tribal members. Their story is a testament to the resilience, adaptability, and enduring spirit of the Anishinaabe people.