Bois Forte Band of Chippewa facts for kids
| Zagaakwaandagowininiwag | |
|---|---|
Flag of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa
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| Total population | |
| 3,052 (2007) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 United States ( Minnesota) |
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| Languages | |
| English, Ojibwe | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, other Ojibwe people |
The Bois Forte Band of Chippewa (in the Ojibwe language: Zagaakwaandagowininiwag) are a group of Ojibwe people. Their name means "Men of the Thick Fir-woods." They live in northern Minnesota, close to the border between the United States and Canada.
Their main land is the Bois Forte Indian Reservation. The Nett Lake Indian Reservation is the largest part of their land. The Bois Forte Band is one of six groups that make up the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe. In 2007, about 3,052 people were members of the Bois Forte Band.
A Look at Their History
The Bois Forte Band came together from three different groups. The Zagwaandagaawininiwag was the biggest group. Other groups that joined them were the Lake Vermilion Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and part of the Little Forks Band of Rainy River Saulteaux.
Because they lived very peacefully, some people called them the "Rabbit" (in Ojibwe: Waabooz).
Over time, different agreements and treaties shaped their lands.
- The Treaty of Paris (1783) and the Webster–Ashburton Treaty (1842) divided the Little Forks Band. The southern part of this group, living near the Little Fork River, became part of the United States.
- The Lake Vermilion Band made a treaty with the United States in 1854.
- In 1866, the Bois Forte Band signed a treaty with the United States. This treaty helped bring these three historical groups together to form the single Bois Forte Band we know today.
What Businesses Do They Own?
The Bois Forte Band runs several businesses that help their community.
- They operate the Nett Lake Wild Rice cooperative, which deals with wild rice.
- They own and run Powerain carwash products.
- They also own the Fortune Bay Resort and Casino.
- They have two radio stations: WELY AM & FM in Ely, Minnesota, and KBFT FM in Nett Lake, Minnesota.
- In 2013, they started their own credit union called Northern Eagle Federal Credit Union.
Important People from Bois Forte
Many notable people are members of the Bois Forte Band.
- Joe Geshick is a talented artist.
- Linda LeGarde Grover is a professor of American Indian Studies at the University of Minnesota, Duluth. She is also an author, known for her book The Dance Boots (2010).
- Keith Secola (born in 1957) is a well-known musician and singer.
