The Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians of North Dakota, a vibrant and resilient community, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Anishinaabe people. Officially recognized by the United States federal government, this tribe is primarily composed of Ojibwa and Métis individuals. Their historical roots are deeply intertwined with the Turtle Mountain region, where they maintain their principal land base and cultural center.
A People Rooted in History and Land
The Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians of North Dakota calls the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation, located in Belcourt, North Dakota, their home. This reservation, though relatively small at 72 square miles, serves as the heart of the tribal community. Despite its size, the reservation holds immense significance as a place of cultural preservation, governance, and community life.
Beyond the reservation’s boundaries, the Turtle Mountain Band also maintains off-reservation trust lands, further extending their connection to the land and providing resources for their members. These lands are scattered throughout North Dakota, Montana, and South Dakota, a legacy of historical allotment policies.
Population and Membership
As of the 2000 census, the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians of North Dakota boasted approximately 30,100 enrolled members, making it one of the largest tribes in North Dakota. Of this number, around 5,815 individuals reside on the main reservation, while another 2,516 live on off-reservation trust lands.
The tribe’s enrollment requirements are clearly defined, ensuring the continuity of their heritage. Membership is granted to individuals listed on the 1940 tribal roll and their descendants, provided they possess at least one-quarter Indian blood and are not domiciled in Canada. These requirements reflect the tribe’s commitment to preserving its cultural identity and maintaining its unique relationship with its members.
Name and Identity
The official tribal name, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians of North Dakota, reflects the tribe’s geographical association with the Turtle Mountain region and its historical connection to the larger Chippewa Nation.
The name "Anishinaabe," meaning "Original People," holds profound cultural significance for the Ojibwa and related tribes. The term encapsulates their deep connection to the land, their ancestral traditions, and their unique worldview. The Ojibwa language breaks down the word into ANI (from whence), NISHINA (lowered), and ABE (the male of the species).
The term "Chippewa" is often used interchangeably with "Ojibwa" and "Ojibwe," though it is considered an anglicized version of the original term. The name likely derives from the Algonquian word meaning "puckered," referring to the distinctive style of moccasins worn by the Ojibwa people.
Historical Context
The Turtle Mountain Band’s history is closely linked to the Pembina Band of Chippewa Indians, who traditionally inhabited the Red River of the North region. As European settlement expanded, the Pembina Band engaged in treaty negotiations with the United States, leading to the establishment of reservations in Minnesota and North Dakota.
However, not all members of the Pembina Band agreed to settle on these reservations. Some relocated northward and westward, eventually establishing communities in Montana. These groups, while sharing a common ancestry with the Turtle Mountain Band, have developed distinct identities and histories.
The so-called Little Shell Pembina Band of North America, based in North Dakota, is a group not recognized as a Native American tribe by the US federal government nor by North Dakota.
Cultural Heritage
The Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians of North Dakota possesses a rich and vibrant cultural heritage, deeply rooted in Anishinaabe traditions. The Ojibwa language, Mikinaakwajiw-ininiwag, is a cornerstone of their cultural identity, though its use has declined in recent generations. Efforts are underway to revitalize the language through educational programs and community initiatives.
Traditional arts and crafts play a vital role in preserving cultural heritage. The Turtle Mountain Chippewa are renowned for their exquisite beadwork, quillwork, hand-made quilts, and red willow baskets. These art forms are not merely decorative; they are expressions of cultural identity, storytelling, and spiritual connection.
Music and dance are also integral to cultural life. Traditional ceremonies and dances, such as the Chief Dance, Drum Dance, Warrior Dance, Fish Dance, Pipe Dance, Horse Dance, and Forty-Nine Dance, provide opportunities for community members to connect with their ancestors, celebrate their heritage, and reaffirm their cultural identity.
Government and Governance
The Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians of North Dakota operates under a constitution and bylaws, which outline the structure and functions of their tribal government. The Tribal Council, composed of nine elected members, serves as the governing body of the tribe.
The Tribal Council is responsible for making decisions on a wide range of issues, including economic development, education, healthcare, and social services. The council also works to protect the tribe’s treaty rights, preserve its cultural heritage, and advocate for the interests of its members.
Economic Development
The Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians of North Dakota is actively engaged in economic development initiatives aimed at improving the lives of its members and strengthening the tribal economy. The tribe operates a variety of businesses, including a casino, a convenience store, and a construction company.
The tribe has also founded the Turtle Mountain Community College, a tribally controlled institution of higher education that provides educational opportunities for tribal members and the surrounding community. The college offers a range of academic programs, vocational training, and cultural enrichment activities.
The tribe has also ventured into online short-term lending.
Oil leases also contribute to the tribe’s economy.
Contemporary Challenges and Opportunities
Like many Native American tribes, the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians of North Dakota faces a number of contemporary challenges, including poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, and healthcare disparities.
However, the tribe is also presented with numerous opportunities to address these challenges and build a brighter future for its members. Through strategic economic development, culturally relevant education, and comprehensive social services, the Turtle Mountain Band is working to create a thriving and sustainable community.
Locations Associated with the Turtle Mountain Chippewas
- Belcourt, North Dakota
- Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation
- Rolette County, North Dakota
- White Earth Reservation in Minnesota
- Montana (Landless Indians of Montana)
- Fort Pembina trading posts
A Resilient and Enduring Legacy
The Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians of North Dakota stands as a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of the Anishinaabe people. Despite facing numerous challenges throughout history, the tribe has persevered, maintaining its cultural identity, preserving its traditions, and working towards a brighter future for its members. As they continue to navigate the complexities of the 21st century, the Turtle Mountain Band remains committed to honoring their ancestors, protecting their land, and ensuring the well-being of future generations. The Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians of North Dakota is a vibrant community with a strong sense of cultural identity.