Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians
The Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians makes its home on the Lac du Flambeau Indian Reservation located in the heart of north central Wisconsin. The greater portion of the reservation is located in southwestern Vilas County, but substantial acreage also exists in the southeastern portion of adjacent Iron County. The reservation is located 12 miles northwest of Woodruff and Minocqua. The major community located within the boundaries of the reservation is the Town of Lac du Flambeau, located in the approximate center of the reservation area.
The Lac du Flambeau Chippewa Reservation has been a permanent settlement of the Lake Superior Chippewa Indians since 1745 when the legendary Chief Keeshkemun (Sharpened Stone) led his band to this area for wild rice, fish, and game. Fish were taken, guided by the light of a flaming torch; thus known as Lake of the Torches, or Lac du Flambeau.
The Lac du Flambeau Reservation was established with the treaty of September 30, 1854. This treaty was made and concluded at LaPointe on Madeline Island between the U.S. Government and the Chippewa Indians of Lake Superior.
The population of Lac du Flambeau is approximately 2,400, with a Native American population of 1,420. The area's lakes, rivers, and woodlands teem with abundant wildlife, making it one of the most popular recreational areas in northern Wisconsin. Fishing, hunting, camping, boating, skiing, snowmobiling, and other outdoor recreational activities play a major role in the local economy.
The Lac du Flambeau Tribe operates a variety of enterprises such as LDF Industries (pallet manufacturing), Ojibwa Mall, Campground, Fish Hatchery, Gas Station, Smoke Shop, and Lake of the Torches Hotel/Casino and Bingo.
Lac du Flambeau has many ongoing activities in the recreation, tourism and economic development arenas. It is a long-term goal of the tribe to preserve, maintain and improve existing recreational facilities, develop a coordinated plan which emphasizes cultural and historical activities, provide opportunities for local and tribal residents, educate the public on Indian culture, and pursue the development of additional major tourism activities with the town, county, and Chamber of Commerce.