Tribal President John Johnson (pictured far right) joined newly-elected Tribal Council Members outside the Tribal Administration building. They were sworn into office in front of a gathering of Tribal Members. Pictured Left to right. Lyle Chapman, Paula Poupart, Ray Allen, and Patty Zimmerman. Spiritual Leader Leon "Boycee" Valliere (not pictured) spoke as well. You can hear some of Boycee's words in this short video clip by clicking on this link.

LDF Tribal Council Members attended a Chippewa Federation meeting prior to Treaty Day 2022, which commemorated the signing of the 1854 treaty with the United States on Mooniingwanekaaning (Madeline Island). Pictured from left: Joseph Wildcat Sr., Eric Chapman, Sara Pyawasit, John Johnson Sr., Winona LaDuke (Native American activist), Gloria Cobb, Jeff Bauman, Louis St. Germaine. Winona LaDuke spoke on the importance of preserving and protecting Native American Treaty Rights. Learn more about Winona LaDuke by clicking on this link.

LDF Tribal Council Members recently traveled to Mooniingwanekaaning (Madeline Island) to commemorate the 1854 treaty signing with the United States. Treaty Day organizers chose the theme ‘Going Home’ this year to symbolize the shared experience of Anishinaabe on the island.

“We’re all family and that makes it special,” Tribal Council Member Gloria Cobb said. “Anishinaabe from all over were there. It showed we are still here and resilient as ever. It felt like home, because we all share a common experience and ties to the island.”

This year’s Treaty Day commemoration on September 30 included traditional ceremonies, cultural events, learning opportunities, and a visit by Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers. Some of the highlights included:

• A dedication of the first dugout canoe produced on the island since 1854

• A pipe tobacco offering with Hereditary Chief Robert Buffalo, using Chief Buffalo’s Pipe, which was created and used for the purpose of the La Pointe 1854 treaty negotiations.

• A discussion of treaties, sovereignty, and language lead by Michael Migizi Sullivan, Sr. PhD. of Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University.

• A lunch discussion at LaPointe School between tribal leaders and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers followed by a walk to the historic marker where the 1854 treaty signing took place. Governor Evers gave a speech on the importance of treaties and ongoing collaboration between tribes and the state.

“We have to know our belonging story, and Madeline Island is part of where we belong and where we come from,” Gloria said. “Knowing where we come from and what our ancestors went through is important to staying resilient.”

PBS Television will feature LDF Tribal Member Biskakone Greg Johnson in November on "Craft In America." The series episode featuring Biskakone, according to PBS, visits craft artists whose environments are filled with meaning and metaphors. View the video promotion featuring Biskakone by clicking here. 

The full episode begins streaming in November on the PBS Video App, craftinamerica.org, and pbs.org/craftinamerica. The PBS broadcast television premiere airs December 16 (check local listings).

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers recognized and celebrated Indigenous Peoples Day 2022 with a video message honoring Wisconsin’s Native Nations and reaffirming the state’s commitment to respecting Tribal Sovereignty and utilizing government-to-government relationships to build a stronger future for the state.  

First recognized in 2019 when Gov. Evers signed Executive Order #50 to annually designate the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples Day, this year marked the fourth year in row Wisconsin has celebrated Indigenous Peoples Day. A copy of this year’s Indigenous Peoples Day proclamation is available here. 

Last year, in addition to recognizing the annual observance of Indigenous Peoples Day in Wisconsin, Gov. Evers signed Executive Order #136 issuing a formal acknowledgement and apology for Wisconsin’s historical role in Indian boarding schools. The governor’s order also included a formal declaration of support for the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative. 

The governor’s Indigenous Peoples Day video message is available here.