1854 Treaty Authority facts for kids

The 1854 Treaty Authority is a special organization that helps two Native American tribes: the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa and the Grand Portage Band of Chippewa. Their main job is to protect and manage the rights these tribes have to hunt, fish, and gather natural resources. These rights are for lands that the tribes gave up to the United States government a long time ago, under a special agreement called the Treaty of La Pointe.

The 1854 Treaty Authority is based in Duluth, Minnesota. A board of leaders from each tribe makes the decisions for the organization. The Authority has different teams that handle various tasks. These teams manage natural resources, teach people about treaty rights, and make sure rules are followed.

History of the 1854 Treaty Authority

In 1985, the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa went to court. They wanted to make sure their right to hunt and fish in the 1854 Treaty lands was protected. They believed they should be able to do this without the state of Minnesota controlling it. Other tribes who signed the treaty, like the Fond du Lac Band and the Bois Forte Band, joined the lawsuit.

By 1988, the tribes and the State of Minnesota reached an agreement outside of court. This agreement confirmed the tribes' treaty rights. To help carry out this agreement, a group called the Tri-Band Authority was created in 1988. This group was led by elected officials from the Grand Portage, Bois Forte, and Fond du Lac Bands.

However, in 1989, the Fond du Lac Band decided to leave the agreement. They later joined another organization called the Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission. After the Fond du Lac Band left, the Tri-Band Authority became the 1854 Authority. In 2006, its name was changed again to the 1854 Treaty Authority. Today, the organization continues to work for the Grand Portage and Bois Forte Bands.

Areas the Authority Covers

The 1854 Treaty Authority helps manage natural resources in several important areas:

• The Grand Portage Fishing Zone in Minnesota. This area is part of the lands given up in the 1842 Treaty of La Pointe (7 Stat. 591).
• The 1854 Treaty of La Pointe-ceded Territory (10 Stat. 1109). This large area is managed together with the Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission.
• The lands given up by the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa Indians in the 1866 Treaty of Washington (14 Stat. 765). In this area, the Authority reviews and protects cultural resources, even though there are no hunting, fishing, or gathering rights.

Important Work and Issues

The 1854 Treaty Authority works on important environmental issues. For example, they have supported efforts to bring back Big Rice Lake to its natural state. They also keep a close eye on the growth of wild rice plants in the area. Wild rice is a very important traditional food and cultural resource for the tribes.

Member Tribes

The 1854 Treaty Authority works with these tribes:

• Bois Forte Band of Chippewa
• Grand Portage Band of Chippewa
• Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa (This tribe was a member in the past.)